A2 · Elementary Chapter 7

Looking Ahead: Plans and Suggestions

4 Total Rules
46 examples
5 min
Rules in This Chapter Quick Practice

Chapter in 30 Seconds

Master the art of talking about your future and making plans with friends.

  • Express your personal intentions using 'going to'.
  • Make spontaneous decisions using 'will'.
  • Propose activities to others using 'let's'.
Design your tomorrow, one sentence at a time.

What You'll Learn

Ready to talk about your future? This chapter will help you share your exciting plans using going to and make fun suggestions with "Let's." Soon you'll be chatting about what's next with confidence!

Learning Objectives

By the end of this chapter, you will be able to:

  1. 1
    By the end you will be able to: describe your weekend plans using 'going to'.
  2. 2
    By the end you will be able to: choose between 'will' and 'going to' based on the situation.
  3. 3
    By the end you will be able to: make group suggestions with 'let's'.

Chapter Guide

Overview

Learning to talk about what’s coming next is a huge step in becoming a more confident English speaker. This chapter is all about giving you the tools to share your future plans and make fun suggestions, moving you smoothly into more advanced conversations. As an A2 English grammar learner, you’re ready to start using phrases like "going to" to discuss your intentions and express simple predictions. Imagine being able to tell a new friend about your weekend plans or what you hope to do next year! This is where English looking ahead: plans and suggestions really comes to life.
You’ll also discover how to use "will" for those spontaneous decisions or quick guesses about the future. And for those moments when you want to invite others to join in, mastering "Let's" for suggestions will make your interactions much more engaging. This guide will help you connect your current thoughts to future actions, ensuring you can participate in everyday chats about what's happening soon. Get ready to express your exciting plans and ideas with confidence!

How This Grammar Works

Talking about the future in English primarily uses two main structures: "going to" and "will", each with its own specific use. We also have a fantastic, friendly way to make suggestions: "Let's." Let's break them down.
First, "going to" is your go-to (pun intended!) for discussing plans and intentions that you’ve already thought about. When you say, "I am going to visit my parents next month," it shows this is a pre-arranged plan, not a sudden idea. It also works for predictions based on current evidence: "Look at those dark clouds! It is going to rain." You can see the signs now. Remember, it’s always "be" (am, is, are) + going to + base verb.
Next, we use "will" for spontaneous decisions made at the moment of speaking or for general predictions and promises without strong current evidence. For instance, if someone asks, "What would you like to drink?" and you haven't thought about it, you might say, "I will have a coffee, please." This is a quick decision. You also use "will" for simple predictions or promises: "I think it will be sunny tomorrow" or "I promise I will help you."
Finally, for making suggestions and inviting others to join an activity, we use "Let's." This is a concise and friendly way to say "Let us." It’s always followed by the base form of the verb: "Let's go to the park!" or "Let's watch a movie tonight." It’s perfect for social situations and showing you want to do something together. Understanding these differences is key for clear communication about A2 English grammar futures.

Common Mistakes

  1. 1✗ We are going to going to the beach.
✓ We are going to go to the beach.
*Explanation:* The "to" in "going to" is part of the structure for future plans, it's not the verb "to go." You still need the main verb after it.
  1. 1✗ I will study for the exam, I already bought the books.
✓ I am going to study for the exam, I already bought the books.
*Explanation:* Buying the books shows a prior plan or intention. "Will" would imply a sudden decision or a general prediction without this evidence.
  1. 1✗ Let's to eat something.
✓ Let's eat something.
*Explanation:* "Let's" is followed directly by the base form of the verb, without "to."

Real Conversations

A

A

Hey, what are you going to do this weekend?
B

B

I haven't decided yet, but I think I will visit my sister.
A

A

Oh, nice! Let's grab coffee on Sunday morning?
B

B

Sounds good! I'll text you.
A

A

Look, the bus is here!
B

B

Oh, great! I will get on. Thanks for letting me know.
A

A

No problem. I am going to wait for the next one.
B

B

Okay, see you later!

Quick FAQ

Q

When should I use "going to" instead of "will" for predictions?

Use "going to" when your prediction is based on something you can see or feel now, like "It's so cloudy, it's going to rain." Use "will" for general predictions or guesses without current evidence, such as "I think it will be a good year."

Q

Is "Let's" always polite?

Yes, "Let's" is generally a polite and inclusive way to make a suggestion. It implies "we should" or "we could," inviting others to join in a friendly manner.

Q

Can I use "will" for plans too?

While you sometimes hear "I'll go to the shop later," it often implies a less firm or more spontaneous decision than "I'm going to go to the shop later," which suggests a settled plan. For firm plans, "going to" is clearer.

Q

Are these structures used in both speaking and writing?

Absolutely! These structures for English looking ahead: plans and suggestions are fundamental for both spoken and written communication at the A2 level and beyond.

Cultural Context

Native English speakers fluidly switch between "will" and "going to" depending on the context of spontaneity versus pre-planning. You’ll find "going to" is very common in everyday conversation for discussing weekend plans or intentions. "Will" pops up often for offers, promises, and instant decisions. "Let's" is universally friendly and commonly used across all informal social situations, from suggesting a movie to proposing a new project. There are no significant regional differences in the core usage of these forms; they are standard across all English-speaking countries.

Key Examples (8)

1

I am going to study for my exam tonight.

Going to: Future Plans & Intentions
2

She is going to visit her grandparents next month.

Going to: Future Plans & Intentions
3

The phone's ringing! I'll get it.

Future with 'Will': Snap Choices & Guesses
4

I think it will be a great party.

Future with 'Will': Snap Choices & Guesses
5

I'll have the avocado toast, please.

Future Tense: Will vs. Going To
6

I'm going to watch the new season of Wednesday tonight.

Future Tense: Will vs. Going To
7

Hey, it's a beautiful day! Let's go to the park.

Making suggestions with "Let's"
8

The movie starts soon. Let's hurry!

Making suggestions with "Let's"

Tips & Tricks (4)

💡

The 'Be' Check

Always check if you have 'am', 'is', or 'are'. If you don't, the sentence is broken!
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Going to: Future Plans & Intentions
🎯

Use 'I think' for Guesses

To sound more natural when making a prediction, start your sentence with 'I think'. It softens the statement and makes it clear it's an opinion.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Future with 'Will': Snap Choices & Guesses
🎯

The 'I Think' Rule

If you start a sentence with 'I think...', you should almost always use 'will'. It signals an opinion or a sudden thought.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Future Tense: Will vs. Going To
⚠️

No 'to' allowed!

The most common mistake is saying 'Let's to go.' Always jump straight to the action verb.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Making suggestions with "Let's"

Key Vocabulary (6)

intention a plan or aim spontaneous done without planning predict to say what will happen suggestion an idea for a plan tomorrow the day after today decide to make a choice

Real-World Preview

coffee

Planning the Weekend

Review Summary

  • Subject + am/is/are + going to + verb
  • Subject + will + verb
  • Let's + verb

Common Mistakes

You must include the verb 'to be' (am/is/are) before 'going to'. Without it, the sentence is incomplete.

Wrong: I going to swim.
Correct: I am going to swim.

After 'Let's', use the base form of the verb without 'to'.

Wrong: Let's to go.
Correct: Let's go.

Modal verbs like 'will' are followed by the base verb directly. Do not use 'to'.

Wrong: I will to see you.
Correct: I will see you.

Next Steps

You have mastered the future tense! Keep practicing by saying your plans out loud every morning.

Write your schedule for next week using 'going to'.

Continue to: Connecting Ideas and Asking for Details

Quick Practice (10)

Which is a plan made BEFORE speaking?

Select the planned action.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: I'm going to travel to Spain next month.
'Going to' is for pre-made plans.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Going to: Future Plans & Intentions

Choose the correct sentence.

Which sentence is correct for a prediction with evidence?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Look! The cat is going to fall!
We use 'be going to' for predictions based on what we see.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Going to: Future Plans & Intentions

Complete the negative suggestion.

It's raining. Let's ___ (not / walk) to the park.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: not walk
The negative form is 'Let's not' + base verb.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Making suggestions with "Let's"

Complete the question.

___ you going to help me?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Are
Questions start with the 'be' verb.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Going to: Future Plans & Intentions

Which sentence is a prediction based on opinion?

Choose the correct sentence.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: I think she'll be a great doctor one day.
'I think' + 'will' is the standard for opinion-based predictions.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Future with 'Will': Snap Choices & Guesses

Correct the mistake in the sentence.

Find and fix the mistake:

Look! That car will hit the wall!

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: is going to hit
Use 'going to' for predictions with evidence.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Future Tense: Will vs. Going To

Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'will'.

I promise I ___ (not tell) anyone your secret.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: won't tell
The negative contraction of 'will' is 'won't'.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Future with 'Will': Snap Choices & Guesses

Choose the correct sentence.

You want to suggest going to the cinema.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Let's go to the cinema.
We use 'Let's' + base verb without 'to' or '-ing'.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Making suggestions with "Let's"

Find the mistake in this sentence.

Find and fix the mistake:

Let's we start the meeting now.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Remove 'we'
'Let's' already includes 'us' (we), so 'we' is redundant.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Making suggestions with "Let's"

Complete the sentence with the correct form of 'be going to'.

I ___ (visit) my aunt tomorrow.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: am going to visit
Subject 'I' requires 'am' + 'going to' + base verb.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Going to: Future Plans & Intentions

Score: /10

Common Questions (6)

No, gonna is only for informal speaking and texting. In homework or formal writing, always use going to.
Use going to for plans made before now. Use will for decisions made at this exact moment.
Usually, no. If you have already booked your flight, use be going to or the Present Continuous. Use will only if you decide to go right this second!
Yes, won't is the contraction of will not. It is much more common in speaking. Will not sounds very formal or angry.
Sometimes, especially for general predictions like 'It will rain' vs 'It's going to rain'. However, for plans vs. spontaneous decisions, they are not interchangeable.
It is a phonetic spelling of how people speak. It is not used in formal writing, but it is very common in songs, movies, and texts.
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