Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[Marlen]

I'd really be very grateful if somebody could explain me why I can't use "going to- future" in the 2nd sentence.



A: So, tell me about this trip we're taking to Bath this Saturday. Will we have time to see all the important sights?

B: Oh, yes I think so. Just remember to bring your camera.

etc.



I thought that A is asking B about a plan that he made for the future and not simply asking what the other person guesses or thinks.

Thanks to anyone who is helping me to understand this structure.

[dabro]

[NoLeafClover]

Most often, when you use "I am going to", you mean that there is some your intention about your future actions. For example, "I'm going to study" means you intend, you plan, you have decided to study. "I will study" is the mere statement of fact. Sometimes this rule does not apply, for example, "it's goint to rain". The rain does not have intention, but these are set expressions. Just keep in mind this connotation.

Also, "going to" is used in the nearest future. Very often we use it with "now". "Now, I'm going to study". "Tomorrow I'm going to" is also OK, but in your case, Saturday is not tomorrow, it will happen later. Therefore, meaning of nearest future does not apply here as well as meaning of intention. Because you can't intend to have time. You just have it or don't have. That is why "we will" is better suited here

Hope this helps
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