“Going To” vs. “Going To Go” – Difference Explained (With Examples)

“Going to” is a common verb form we use to announce our intention. We don’t typically use “going” to mean we’re traveling toward a goal, and this article will show you how it all works. We’ll compare “going to” and “going to go” to see how they differ.

What Is The Difference Between “Going To” And “Going To Go”?

“Going to” usually implies that you are currently traveling toward an objective or you’re planning to travel toward that objective at some point in the future. “Going to go” implies that you are planning to travel toward something at a later time.

going to vs going to go

If you don’t quite understand the differences, you can think about “going” in two different ways:

  • I’m going to the shops.
  • I’m going to go to the shops.

In the first example, it is likely that someone is already traveling toward their objective (the shops). Therefore, they are using the verb form of “going” to literally mean “traveling” (which is what “to go” usually means).

In the second example, we use “going” in a similar light to “planning,” and the intention of the verb “to go” after the planning portion shows that we intend to go at a later time. However, “going” in the gerund form does not mean “traveling” here.

It might help to see how “going to” works in a few different ways when it’s closer to “planning:”

  • I’m going to leave.
  • I’m going to stay here.

As you can see, “going” doesn’t mean “traveling” in either example above. That’s because we’re following “going to” with a verb (just like “going to go”).

This verb states our intention, while “going” is more synonymous with “planning.”

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Is It Correct To Say “Going To Go”?

“Going to go” is grammatically correct. There is nothing wrong with placing a verb after “going to,” even if that verb is the same as the root form of the auxiliary verb “going.” “Going to go” just means “planning to go” somewhere.

One of the quirks of the English language is that auxiliary verbs and actionable verbs can be the same and still make sense. For example:

  • I have to have a look at that.
  • I want to want it more.
  • I’m going to go to the city.

As you can see, the verb forms have all been repeated, yet every example is still grammatically correct.

This structure can make the English language quite daunting at first. However, once you get used to it, you’ll have a much easier time figuring out how interactions like “going to go” make perfect sense.

What Does “Going To Go” Mean?

Let’s go over what “going to go” means a little closer. Remember, the actionable verb here is “to go,” while “going” acts more like an auxiliary that is closer to “planning.”

“Going to go” means someone is planning to go somewhere at some time. They might be specific with the time, or they might just state that they have a plan, but they’re not sure when they want to execute it yet.

Here are some examples that should clear up any confusion you might be having:

  1. I am going to go to see my mother. Do you think you would like to come with me?
  2. I am going to go to the hospital later today. There’s something that needs looking at that’s worrying me.
  3. You were going to go there before I stopped you! Don’t let me be the reason you don’t go.
  4. I was not going to go, but now I feel like I have to! If everyone else will be there, I should be there too.
  5. You’re not going to go there without me tonight! It just wouldn’t be the same.
  6. If we’re going to go in a few hours, we should start getting ready!
  7. She’s going to go home now. She wasn’t feeling well, so we thought it was for the best.

What Does “Going To” Mean?

“Going to” is not the same as “going to go.” However, contextually, there is no real difference. In fact, most native speakers will not mind if you use “going to” and “going to go” synonymously (provided you’re talking about a place you’re traveling to).

“Going to” means that you are currently traveling toward a place (unless you specify a time in the future that you will travel there). “Going” is not the auxiliary verb this time. Instead, it is the actionable verb, and no verb form needs to follow it.

Check out these examples to help you with it:

  1. I’m going to the shops. Do you need anything from them?
  2. He’s going to be right back. I’m sure there will be plenty to talk about.
  3. She’s going to the diner tonight. I think it would be a good idea for you to go with her.
  4. You’re going to him, aren’t you? I knew you couldn’t stay away.
  5. I’m going to my house now. Please don’t bother following me. I don’t want to talk.
  6. You’re going to your father’s place. I don’t mind, but I wish you would have been honest with me.
  7. I’m going to the hairdressers.

When Should I Use “Will Be Going To”?

“Will be going to” is the future perfect tense. We use “will be going” to show that a plan has been set in motion that will happen at some point in the future. As long as everything goes as planned, the event will happen as written.

Here are some examples to help you:

  • I will be going to the event later on in the evening.
  • She will be going to that place when you’re gone.
  • I will be going to see her off! Do you think she will like that?

Is It Ever Correct To Use “Gonna Go”

“Gonna go” is grammatically correct, but it’s informal. You should only use it in spoken English or informal writing. There is never a reason to use the contraction of “gonna” (meaning “going to”) formally.

Here are some examples of how it works:

  • I’m gonna go there later tonight.
  • You’re gonna go and see her right away.
  • She’s gonna go to town tonight to pick some turkey up.

You may also like:

“I’m Gonna” vs. “I Gonna” – Correct Version Explained

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