Vocab for Teachers
Idioms & Fixed Expressions
🟡 Intermediate

Expressions for Plans and Intentions: I Am Thinking Of, I Am Going To, I Plan To

What this session covers

In conversation and writing, students often talk about future plans — what they will do, what they are thinking about doing, what they hope to do. English has several expressions for plans at different levels of certainty. 'I am thinking of doing X' (considering, not decided). 'I am planning to do X' (more committed). 'I am going to do X' (decided, near future). 'I will do X' (decided, certain). 'I might do X' (possibility, less certain). 'I hope to do X' (wishing for). 'I intend to do X' (formal — committed plan). 'I aim to do X' (have a goal). Each expression signals a different strength of plan and a different time. The grammar matters too. 'Thinking of' takes -ing (thinking of going). 'Going to' takes the base verb (going to go). 'Plan to' takes 'to + verb' (plan to go). Each pattern is fixed. Students who use only 'I will' for everything miss the precision native speakers use. This lesson covers the main plan and intention expressions at B1 level.

Personal Reflection

Before you start — think honestly about your own teaching and experience.

Q1
When your students talk about future plans — what they will do tomorrow, next year, after school — do they reach for 'I will' for everything, missing the chance to show different levels of certainty with 'I am thinking of', 'I plan to', or 'I might'?
Q2
Which of these have you seen your students get wrong or avoid using altogether?

Discover the Pattern

Look at the examples. Answer each question before reading the explanation — this is how your students will learn too.

1
Different strengths of plan:

VERY UNSURE / CONSIDERING:
I am thinking of going to the city. (= just considering)
I might go to the city. (= it is possible)
I may go to the city. (= it is possible — slightly more formal)

MODERATE / PLANNING:
I am planning to go to the city. (= more committed)
I hope to go to the city. (= want to, but not certain)
I aim to go to the city. (= have it as a goal)

FIRMLY DECIDED:
I am going to the city. (= decided, near future)
I am going to go to the city. (= decided, plan made)
I will go to the city. (= will definitely go)
I intend to go to the city. (= committed, formal)

Why does English need so many ways to talk about future plans?

Each expression signals a different level of certainty about a future plan. 'Thinking of' is just considering — the plan might or might not happen. 'Might' or 'may' signals a possibility — uncertain. 'Planning to' or 'hoping to' shows more commitment — there is a plan, but it is not certain to happen. 'Going to' (in the future sense) shows the plan is decided and probably will happen. 'Will' is the strongest — committed. 'Intend to' is formal and committed. Students who use only 'I will' for everything overstate their commitment. 'I will go to the city' sounds certain. 'I am thinking of going' is more honest if the plan is uncertain. The right expression matches the actual strength of commitment.

2
The grammar — different patterns:

Thinking of + -ING:
I am thinking of going. (NOT 'thinking of go')
I am thinking of taking a holiday. (NOT 'thinking of take')

Going to + BASE VERB:
I am going to go. (NOT 'going to going')
I am going to take a holiday.

Plan to / hope to / intend to / aim to + BASE VERB:
I plan to go.
I hope to study harder.
I intend to apply for the job.
I aim to finish by Friday.

Might / may / will + BASE VERB:
I might go.
I may take a break.
I will call tomorrow.

Which pattern goes with which expression?

Each expression has its own grammar pattern. 'Thinking of' takes -ING (thinking of going, thinking of taking). The 'of' is a preposition, and prepositions are followed by -ing. 'Going to' (when meaning future plan) takes the base verb (going to go, going to take). 'Plan to', 'hope to', 'intend to', 'aim to' all take 'to + base verb' (plan to go, hope to study). 'Might', 'may', 'will' all take the base verb directly (might go, will call) — they are modal verbs, no 'to' needed. Students who get the grammar wrong produce errors like 'thinking of go' (wrong — should be 'thinking of going') or 'will to go' (wrong — should be 'will go'). Drilling the patterns is essential.

3
Three situations, three different expressions:

A: A friend asks about your weekend plans. You have not decided anything but are considering visiting your sister.
B: A friend asks about next year's plans. You have decided to apply to university and have already started filling in forms.
C: A friend asks about today's plans. You have a meeting at 3pm that is already scheduled.

Which expression fits each: I am thinking of / I plan to / I am going to?

Each context fits a specific expression. Context A (considering, not decided): 'I am thinking of visiting my sister' — the considering stage, not yet a plan. 'I might visit' would also work — possibility. Context B (decided, working on it): 'I plan to apply to university' — committed plan, working towards it. 'I am planning to apply' would also work. Context C (already scheduled, near future): 'I am going to a meeting at 3' — decided, definite, near future. 'I will go' would be too formal for already-scheduled near-future events. Each situation calls for a different strength of expression. Choosing the right one matches the language to the actual commitment level.

The Pattern — What You Just Discovered

English has many expressions for future plans at different levels of certainty. Considering: I am thinking of, I might. Planning: I am planning to, I hope to, I aim to. Decided: I am going to, I will, I intend to. Each has its own grammar pattern. Thinking of + -ing. Going to + base verb. Plan to / hope to / intend to / aim to + 'to + verb'. Might / may / will + base verb. Students must learn the right expression for the right strength and the right grammar.
Expression Strength Grammar Example
I am thinking of Just considering + -ING I am thinking of going to Lagos.
I might / may It is possible + base verb I might go tomorrow. / I may stay home.
I am planning to More committed + to + verb I am planning to take next month off.
I plan to Have a plan + to + verb I plan to study medicine.
I hope to Want to, not certain + to + verb I hope to visit my grandmother soon.
I aim to Have a goal + to + verb I aim to finish the report by Friday.
I am going to Decided, near future + base verb I am going to call her tomorrow.
I will Decided, certain + base verb I will help you with that.
I intend to Committed, formal + to + verb I intend to apply for the position.
I am about to Very near future — about to do now + base verb I am about to leave — I will call you later.
Usage Notes

NOTE 1 — Match strength to certainty: Use weak expressions for uncertain plans (thinking of, might). Use moderate expressions for plans you are working on (planning to, hope to). Use strong expressions for decided plans (going to, will, intend). Mismatched expressions sound wrong — 'I will go to Mars' (overcommitted) vs 'I might go to the kitchen' (under-committed for everyday actions).

NOTE 2 — Grammar patterns are fixed: Thinking of + -ing. Going to + base verb. Plan to / hope to / intend to / aim to all take 'to + verb'. Might / may / will take the base verb directly (no 'to'). Mixing the patterns produces errors. Drilling the patterns is essential.

NOTE 3 — Will vs going to: Both are for decided plans, but they differ slightly. 'Going to' is for plans made before the moment of speaking. 'Will' is often for decisions made at the moment of speaking, or for general future statements. 'I am going to call her tomorrow' (planned earlier). 'OK, I will call her now' (decided in the moment).

NOTE 4 — Hope to vs aim to: Both are about goals, but hope to is more passive (wishing for), aim to is more active (working toward). 'I hope to pass the exam' (wish for). 'I aim to score 90%' (working for it). Hope to is more humble; aim to is more committed.

NOTE 5 — Intend to is formal: 'Intend to' is more formal than 'plan to' or 'going to'. Common in formal writing — applications, business letters, official statements. 'I intend to apply' (formal). 'I am going to apply' (everyday). Match register to context.

Note

Plan and intention expressions are essential for talking about the future at any level. Students who use only 'I will' lose precision. The grammar patterns are particularly important — getting them wrong produces errors that mark a student as still learning. The lesson connects to gerunds and infinitives (#47) — verb pattern rules — and to opinion expressions (#40) and emphasis (#74). Together they cover the main fixed-expression areas of B1+ English.

💡

Practise plans through real conversations. Ask students about today, tomorrow, this weekend, next year. They must use a range of expressions matching their actual certainty. Drill the grammar — thinking of going (not 'thinking of go'). Plan to study (not 'plan to studying'). Going to leave (not 'going to leaving'). The patterns must be automatic.

Common Student Errors

✗I am thinking of go to the market this afternoon to buy some vegetables.
✓I am thinking of going to the market this afternoon to buy some vegetables.
Why'Thinking of' takes -ING (gerund), not the base verb. The 'of' is a preposition, and prepositions take -ing. 'Thinking of go' is wrong; 'thinking of going' is correct. Always 'thinking of + -ing'.
✗I plan to studying medicine after I finish school next year.
✓I plan to study medicine after I finish school next year.
Why'Plan to' takes 'to + base verb', not 'to + -ing'. 'Plan to studying' is wrong; 'plan to study' is correct. The pattern: plan to + base verb. The same applies to hope to, intend to, aim to.
✗I will to call you tomorrow morning to discuss the meeting.
✓I will call you tomorrow morning to discuss the meeting.
Why'Will' is a modal verb. Modal verbs take the base verb directly, with NO 'to'. 'Will call' (correct). 'Will to call' is wrong. The same applies to other modals: might call, may go, can help, should leave.
✗I am going to going to Lagos next month for a holiday.
✓I am going to go to Lagos next month for a holiday. / I am going to Lagos next month for a holiday.
Why'Going to' (for plans) takes the base verb. 'Going to go' is correct (with the verb 'go'). 'Going to going' has -ing where the base verb should be. Or use the simpler 'I am going to Lagos' (using 'going' as the verb of motion, not 'going to + verb').
✗I might to take a break later this afternoon if I have time.
✓I might take a break later this afternoon if I have time.
Why'Might' is a modal verb. Modals take the base verb directly, no 'to'. 'Might take' (correct). 'Might to take' is wrong. The same applies to may, can, should, would, will.

Check Your Understanding — Part 1

Choose the best expression for each context. Think about the strength of the plan and the grammar.

A friend asks about your weekend plans. You have not decided anything yet, but you are considering visiting your aunt.
Pick the most appropriate word:
A teacher writes a formal application for a research position. She wants to state her commitment to the project formally.
Pick the most appropriate word:
A student tells her family about her plan for next year. She has applied to university and is committed to studying medicine.
Pick the most appropriate word:
A worker has not yet decided what to do this evening. She is open to several options and might or might not stay home.
Pick the most appropriate word:
A friend asks if you can call her later. You decide at that moment that you will call.
Pick the most appropriate word:
0 / 5 answered

Check Your Understanding — Part 2: Why Is It Wrong?

Each sentence has a problem with a plan or intention expression. Suggest a better version and explain.

I am thinking of go to the city next weekend if the weather is good.
Write the correct sentence:
Explain why it is wrong:
I am thinking of going to the city next weekend if the weather is good.
'Thinking of' takes -ING (gerund), not the base verb. 'Of' is a preposition, and prepositions take -ing. 'Thinking of go' is wrong; 'thinking of going' is correct. Always 'thinking of + -ing'.
I plan to studying English for two hours every day this term.
Write the correct sentence:
Explain why it is wrong:
I plan to study English for two hours every day this term.
'Plan to' takes 'to + base verb', not '-ing'. 'Plan to studying' is wrong; 'plan to study' is correct. The same pattern applies to hope to, intend to, aim to. All take 'to + base verb'.
I will to call my mother tomorrow morning before going to school.
Write the correct sentence:
Explain why it is wrong:
I will call my mother tomorrow morning before going to school.
'Will' is a modal verb. Modals take the base verb directly, NO 'to'. 'Will call' (correct). 'Will to call' is wrong. The same applies to might, may, can, should, would. None of these take 'to'.
My friend will to apply for the new job at the bank — she is very excited about it.
Write the correct sentence:
Explain why it is wrong:
My friend will apply for the new job at the bank — she is very excited about it. / My friend is going to apply for the new job at the bank.
'Will' takes the base verb without 'to' (will apply, not will to apply). The 'to' between will and the verb is wrong. Either remove 'to' (will apply) or use a different expression like 'is going to apply' or 'plans to apply'.

Classroom Teaching Sequence

Use this sequence directly in class — guided discovery, no textbook needed. Tap each step to mark it done.

0 / 5 done
1

STEP 1 — Levels of certainty (5 min): Write three columns on the board: CONSIDERING, PLANNING, DECIDED. Place expressions in each: thinking of, might (considering); plan to, hope to, aim to (planning); going to, will, intend to (decided). Establish that future plans have different strengths.

2

STEP 2 — Considering plans (5 min): Drill the considering expressions. I am thinking of + -ING (thinking of going, thinking of taking). I might / may + base verb (might go, may stay). For uncertain plans. Practise five examples.

3

STEP 3 — Planning expressions (5 min): Drill the planning level. I plan to / hope to / intend to / aim to + 'to + verb' (plan to study, hope to pass, intend to apply, aim to finish). All take the same grammar — to + base verb. For plans being worked on.

4

STEP 4 — Decided plans (6 min): Drill the decided expressions. I am going to + base verb (going to call). I will + base verb (will help). Show the small difference: 'going to' for plans made earlier; 'will' for decisions made now. Drill examples.

5

STEP 5 — Talk about your plans (9 min): Each student talks about plans at three time scales — today, this month, next year. They must use a range of expressions matching their actual certainty. Today is mostly decided (going to, will). This month is more uncertain (thinking of, might). Next year might mix (planning to, hope to). Share in pairs.

Ready-to-Use Classroom Materials

Use directly in class — copy, adapt, or read aloud. No printing needed.

1 Plans and intentions wall (display)
Create a wall display with three columns: CONSIDERING, PLANNING, DECIDED. Under each, list the expressions with their grammar patterns. Refer to the wall when students talk about future plans.
Example sentences
CONSIDERING: I am thinking of + -ING / I might + base verb / I may + base verb
PLANNING: I plan to / I hope to / I intend to / I aim to — all + 'to + verb'
DECIDED: I am going to + base verb / I will + base verb / I intend to + 'to + verb' (formal)
2 Match plan to certainty (oral drill)
Describe a plan situation. Students must produce the right expression with the right grammar. Move quickly.
Example sentences
Teacher: 'considering visiting your aunt' → Student: 'I am thinking of visiting my aunt'
Teacher: 'decided to call later' → Student: 'I am going to call later / I will call later'
Teacher: 'have applied to university and committed' → Student: 'I plan to study at university'
Teacher: 'might go, not sure' → Student: 'I might go'
Teacher: 'formal application — committed' → Student: 'I intend to apply'
3 Talk about your plans (speaking)
Each student talks about plans for today, this week, this month, this year. They must use a range of expressions matching their certainty. The class checks for variety and grammar.
Example sentences
Sample: 'Today I am going to call my friend in the evening — we already planned it. This weekend I might visit my grandmother, but I am not sure. This month I plan to start a new exercise routine — I have everything ready. This year I am thinking of applying for a new job, but I have not decided yet. Next year I hope to travel to Europe if I save enough money.'

Plan Your Next Steps

For each strategy, choose the option that best describes where you are now.

Build the future expression vocabulary further with more useful chunks: I have decided to (committed), I am about to (very near future), I would like to (polite intention), I am keen to (enthusiastic), I am eager to (very enthusiastic).
Connect to opinion expressions (#40), hedging (#25), and emphasis (#74). Together they cover the main fixed-expression areas. Plans and intentions add the future dimension.
Look at the past — 'I was thinking of', 'I was planning to', 'I was going to'. The past forms are useful for plans that did not happen ('I was going to call but I forgot').
Teach the related skill of asking about plans: 'What are you thinking of doing?', 'Are you planning to come?', 'Do you intend to apply?'. The question forms keep conversation going.
Ask students to write a paragraph about their plans for the year using a range of expressions. The exercise drills the chunks in real personal contexts.
What is the one change you will make next time you teach this vocabulary?

Key Takeaways

1 English has many expressions for future plans at different levels of certainty. Considering: I am thinking of (+ -ing), I might / may (+ base verb). Planning: I plan to / hope to / intend to / aim to (all + to + base verb). Decided: I am going to / I will (+ base verb), I intend to (formal).
2 Each expression has its own grammar. Thinking of + -ing (thinking of going). Plan to + 'to + verb' (plan to study). Might + base verb (might go). Will + base verb (will call — no 'to'). Mixing the patterns produces errors.
3 Match strength to certainty. Considering an idea: thinking of, might. Worked-on plans: planning to, hope to. Decided plans: going to, will, intend to. Mismatched expressions sound wrong.
4 Will and going to are both for decided plans. Going to is for plans made earlier ('I am going to call her tomorrow'). Will is often for decisions made at the moment ('OK, I will call her now'). Slight difference but useful.
5 Intend to is formal — for applications, business writing, official statements. Plan to is everyday for committed plans. Both have the same grammar (to + verb) but different registers.
Session Details
Idioms & Fixed Expressions 🟡 Intermediate 30 minutes 🌍 No materials needed
Target Vocabulary
I am thinking of I am going to I plan to I intend to I might I will I hope to I aim to
Topics & Tags
Vocabulary In Use Plans Intentions Fixed Expressions Intermediate Vocabulary Future
Learning Objective

Teachers will be able to teach common expressions for talking about future plans at different levels of certainty, and help students choose the right expression for the strength of their commitment to a plan.

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