Future with "going to"

Formula:

am / is / are + going to + V (infinitive)

For example: I am going to visit my friend.

Subject + am / is / are + going to + base verb.

Example 1 (plan):

She is going to study medicine.

Example 2 (prediction):

Look at the clouds! It is going to rain.

Example 3 (intention):

We are going to buy a new car next year.

Future with "going to" vs Future Simple (will)

Going to is used for plans and fact-based predictions. Will is often used for spontaneous decisions or promises.

Example: I will answer the phone (decision now). I am going to call him tonight (planned in advance).

Future with "going to" vs Present Continuous (future meaning)

Both can express future plans, but Present Continuous is more often used for fixed arrangements.

Example: I am meeting my friend at 6 (arrangement). I am going to visit my friend (intention).