The "going to" future VS present continuous with future meaning

Question

Hi,When should we use the "going to" future and when should we use the present continuous with future meaning?Both future forms are planned. Right? 1. I'm going to visit my grandmother tomorrow.2. I'm visiting my grandmother tomorrow.Thanks!

Fivejedjon · Accepted Answer

We use going to when there is present evidence of a future situation. We use the present progressive when there is an arrangement for a future situation. If the present evidence is the arrangement, then there is no real difference in meaning.

Zoltán Király · Answer

Sorry, but what does an "arrangement" mean? English is my 2nd language.
Can you please write example sentences for each situation. Thank you!

Fivejedjon · Answer

http://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/british/arrangement_1

A: Where shall we meet tomorrow?
B: At the Lucerna. What time?
A: 8 o'clock?
B. OK. See you then.

A and B have arranged to meet at the Lucerna at 8 o' clock.

A and B are meeting at the Lucerna at 8 o' clock. The speaker is reporting the future situation that has been arranged,
A and B are going to meet at the Lucerna at 8 o' clock, The speaker has evidence of the meeting. S/he knows of the arrangement.

It's going to rain soon. The speaker has evidence of this - perhaps the dark clouds in the sky.
~~It's raining~~ ~~soon~~. There cannot be an arrangement for future rain, so this is not possible.

The "going to" future VS present continuous with future meaning

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