A plan is a scheme or proposition for doing something in the future. So, when we talk about plans, we don’t talk just about any future action. It is an action to achieve an aim.

Plans can be of two types:

Unconfirmed: This is just an idea floating in the mind. The action hasn’t been arranged.

Confirmed: Here the action has been arranged. It has been set and approved.

Let’s look at how to describe each type of plan in some detail.

Unconfirmed plan:

For instance, I have planned to go on a holiday. But I haven’t arranged it. In other words, I haven’t decided on the place, bought the tickets, informed my family and friends, arranged for the funds, asked my boss about leave. Unless I do all these, I can’t leave. So, the idea is just an idea in my head. Not a confirmed plan. So, if somebody asks me about my plans for vacation, the conversation will be something like this:

My friend: So, what’re your plans for this summer?

Me: Well, I’m going to go on a vacation.

My friend: Where?

Me: I don’t know. Maybe Kasauli. Or Manali. Nothing’s been fixed yet.

My friend: Oh! Did you get your leave sanctioned?

Me: No, I haven’t spoken to boss about it yet.

My friend: So, this is just in your mind then, eh?

Me: Yeah!

So, all unconfirmed plans will have “going to + verb” with it.

Another example:

I’m going to go to my sister’s house.

This means, I’ve got the idea, but haven’t told my sister yet. Unless I do, it’s just a foggy thought in my head.

I’m going to paint my bedroom

Again, I haven’t got the paint, I haven’t decided on the day when I’ll paint. It’s just a notion in my mind.

Confirmed plan

When a plan is confirmed, it means I have made suitable arrangements to carry it out. The plan is now an arrangement. The idea has been solidified in my mind. I’ve got the whys and wherefores all sorted out clearly.

So, if I’ve got my leave sanctioned, arranged the money, bought the tickets to Manali, and informed my family and friends, I can say,

I’m going to Manali on the fifteenth of next month.

This trip has been suitably arranged.

I’m going to my sister’s house on Sunday.

My sister has been informed. The schedules of my wife and son have also been freed for Sunday. Nothing can hold us back now.

I’m starting university in August.

I’ve paid my fees and completed all admission procedures. The university has taken me in. So, my going to the university has been confirmed. So, I say, I’m starting.

I’m meeting the client tomorrow at 11 in the morning. 

I’ve informed the client about the meeting. The client has agreed to the date and time as well.

Also, note that what this means is I can’t see you before I come back from that meeting.

I’m spending my day with Rashmi on Saturday.

So, Rashmi has agreed to spend the day with me. We’ve already planned our day. So, it’s confirmed.

We also use this structure to ask about others’ plans.

• • • • What are you doing this weekend?
      • Where are you going on vacation?
      • When are you meeting the client?
      • Where are you giving us the presentation?

The reason we use the present continuous is just out of politeness. We are saying, “Look I know you are busy and have your time planned in advance like any right thinking person, and I’m just taking a chance.”

 

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