The Cambridge Guide to Australian English Usage - Noel's ESL ...

e going to be to be about to be on the point of
The first of these (I am going to) is the most straightforward with no particular
implications that limit its use. The second (I amto) suggests that the projected
event is the result of an arrangement made by other parties, and not something to
decide for oneself. The last two (I am about to/I am on the point of) show that the
projected event is imminent, and not just at some undetermined time in the future.
The sense of imminence and immediacy is stronger with on the point of than with
about to.
In certain circumstances, the plain present tense can be used to express futurity.
An accompanying adverb (or adverbial phrase) which expresses future time is
sufficient in a simple statement, and used very often in conversation:
They come tomorrow.
My course finishes in two weeks time.
In complex sentences (see clauses section 3), a plain present tense can be used to
express future in the subordinate clause, provided that the main clause has one of
the future auxiliaries:
I’m going to wear a wig if you do.
Next year we’ll celebrate when the yachts arrive.
-fy See -ify.
-fy
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