going to meaning: definition, etymology and quotations

going to

phrasealso spelled going-to

stressed /ˈɡoʊɪŋ tu/ · unstressed /ɡoʊɪŋ tə/

Etymology From Middle English goyng to, first attested in 1483—some earlier attestations have been claimed, though these are disputed—and grammaticalized over the course of the Early Modern period. Possibly influenced by the comparable use of Middle French aller (“go”), which arose somewhat earlier and is preserved in modern French.

Expresses the prospective aspect relative to a given time frame: something that will happen, or is intended, at the time, to happen.

I'm going to throw out the milk if nobody’s going to drink it.
I was going to cut the grass, but it started raining.

4 more examples

Mary is going to have another baby. I'll most probably have blue eyes, because both parents do.
I’ve already agreed on a price, so I’m going to buy it regardless.
I’ve been going to stop by for ages, but I’ve only just found time.
I have been told about a row house going to be available soon.

Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see be, going, to.

It's getting late; I must be going to my grandma's.

Related terms: to

going-to

noun

Promised future actions or achievements.

Their to-do lists can be impressive, inspiring and sometimes intimidating. Sadly, though, the vast majority of these 'going tos' end up in the trash heap of 'should haves', 'would haves' and 'could haves'2010, Shaun Belding, Win at Work: Navigate the Nasties, Get Things Done and Get Ahead: