New Year is a common celebration in many English-speaking countries.
In the United Kingdom, along with many other primarily English-speaking countries, the majority of citizens celebrate the changeover of the Gregorian calendar which starts on the 1st January and ends on the 31st December each year. In a nutshell, it marks the ending of the Solar Year cycle – the time it takes for the sun to cycle the Earth for 365 days and return to its starting position.
Read more about it here
Beyond historical and solar cycles, however, many celebrate with parties, fireworks, music, friends, family and a countdown to midnight. Many people also see this new year as a fresh start to their lives in hope that they can bring more prosperity, peace and happiness. To do this, people set goals for themselves to stop bad habits or start new practices. These are also called ‘resolutions’.
So, if you’re finding yourself in conversation with someone planning and discussing their New Year’s ‘resolutions’, here is one essential English future-tense phrase to help you plan your own!
Going to/ Not going to
When planning a resolution, it is common to use the phrase “I am going to….” after making the decision to do something. This means that you plan to do something in the future rather than something you have already done (past tense) or currently doing (present tense).
The same can be said for the negative “I am not going to”.
For example, if I have decided I am going to exercise more, I would say:
“I am going to do more exercise”
OR
“I am not going to be so lazy”
It’s as simple as that!
If you’re wondering why we do not say “will be doing”, it is because this phrase is used in a more definitive way about the future or things that we have a path or plan to do.
For example, you WILL be going to the store to get groceries OR you will be sending an email to your co-worker.
Otherwise, if it is a plan for the upcoming year but with no definitive plan (and more of a general idea) you would likely say “going to”. This is because, to most people, these resolutions are a reflection of the life they wish to lead but may not have the commitment to achieve. However, you will find that the majority of people will have one or two in mind.
What are your resolutions for the New Year? Comment them down below! Why not make one of your resolutions improving your English with online one to one lessons with a native tutor? Contact us here to book classes.
