difference between present continuous and going to

1. Future Plans
Be going to vs. Present continuous

2. Definite Arrangement
We use the Present Continuous to
talk about definite arrangements for
the future – something we have
already decided on for the future.
Sorry, I can’t help you. I’m leaving in
the morning.

3.  Beth: Do you want to go to the beach
tomorrow?
 Jenny: I’d love to, but not before 4
o’clock.
 Beth: Why? What are you doing in the
morning?
 Jenny: Oh, I’m doing a million things. At
8 o’clock I’m going to the dentist. Then
I’m meeting my mother and helping her
with the shopping. After that I’m taking
my dog to the vet and rushing back to
meet Sarah at the airport.

4. Plans and Intentions
We use be going to + infinitive to talk
about future plans or intentions –
something we have a plan for.
I’m going to fix television tomorrow.
Why are you going to buy a new bike?

5. Present Continuous / Be Going To
When it is clear that we mean the
future, the Present Continuous and
be going to + infinitive are often
interchangeable. But generally we use
the Present Continuous to show that
something has been arranged for the
future, while we use be going to to
show that we intend to do something in
the future.

6.  We are travelling around Europe
after we finish school. We’ve
already bought the tickets.
(ARRANGEMENT)
 We are going to travel around
Europe after we finish school. At
least that’s what we plan to do.
(INTENTION)

7.  We are travelling around Europe
after we finish school. We’ve
already bought the tickets.
(ARRANGEMENT)
 We are going to travel around
Europe after we finish school. At
least that’s what we plan to do.
(INTENTION)