BE GOING TO AND THE PRESENT PROGRESSIVE 362

Be going to and the present progressive are commonly used for referring to future plans,
decisions and arrangements. Sometimes either form can be used, sometimes there are contrasts
in meaning between them, and sometimes one form is preferred. Be going to is more frequent in
spoken and informal contexts.
In general, be going to and the present progressive can both be used to refer to future
events when there is greater involvement on the part of the speaker in the decision-making
process:
What are you going to drink?
What are you drinking?
I’m going to have a drink with Jill after the film.
I’m having a drink with Jill after the film.
She’s not going to borrow my car.
She’s not borrowing my car.
Karen’s going to arrive tomorrow. I couldn’t put her off.
Karen’s arriving tomorrow. I couldn’t put her off.
Be going to usually indicates that a decision has been made and that the event will take place
soon, but that all the necessary plans have not yet been made. Be going to stresses the
subjective view of the speaker:
We’re going to pave over the front garden when we get round to it, so we can park off the
road.
I’m going to ask him to marry me.
The present progressive usually indicates that a decision has been made and that arrangements
are probably in place or have been made:
I’m starting a new job next week.
(typically means I have agreed terms and a starting date)
I shall actually be leaving earlier than expected. I’m flying on Friday.
(I have booked the flight and made all the arrangements)

The present progressive is not used when a prediction is made based on present evidence:
It’s gone really dark. It’s going to rain any minute.
(It’s raining any minute.)
[said to a little child who has just received a gift of money]
You’re going to lose that money if you don’t put it in your pocket.
(You’re losing that money …)
Will may be used in such cases ( 363).