0
Book park 409 Posted 8 years ago
Grammar

Correct grammar for ARRIVE / arrives/ arriving - going to

a) The King will arrive at 6.00
b) The King is going to arrive at 6.00.

I think sentence B is ambiguous because it is using two opposites going + arriving in one sentence.

Please can somebody clarify. so that i can help a learner who is struggling.

I know that colloquially they will be understood to mean the same.

But I have never heard going to arrive, used in formal situations. it has always been.

"the train will arrive" "the train arriving" "the train due/expected to arrive" "the train arrives at 6.00"

"the train going to arrive" -> anywhere at any time seems unnatural.

The person I am trying to help, has been told that (b) is wrong , but is being told by ordinary native speakers there is no difference. I need someone to explain in simple language to the learner I am trying to help, why "the King is going to arrive at 6.00" is wrong. Thanking you in advance for your help

  

Top answer

I think sentence B is ambiguous because it is using two opposites going + arriving in one sentence. No, not at all. The 'going to' future has lost its 'movement' meaning.

— Mister Micawber

  • I think sentence B is ambiguous because it is using two opposites going + arriving in one sentence.
  • No, not at all.
  • The 'going to' future has lost its 'movement' meaning.
  • book park 409 I know that colloquially they will be understood to mean the same.
  • Right.
Free · every Monday

Get the Weekly English Kit 📬

New words, one handy idiom, and a 2-minute quiz — delivered to your inbox to keep your streak alive.

1 Answers
0
book park 409b) The King is going to arrive at 6.00.I think sentence B is ambiguous because it is using two opposites going + arriving in one sentence.

No, not at all. The 'going to' future has lost its 'movement' meaning.

book park 409I know that colloquially they will be understood to mean the same.

Right.

0

Related Questions