Be To / Be Going To

Question

Hello! I would like to know the differences between these sentences;

I am to visit Canada next week.

I am going to visit Canada next Week.

To my knowledge both be to and be going to is about plans. Hence I wonder if they are interchangeable? Or maybe one is more formal?

Thanks.

Julioms23 · Accepted Answer

I think it is the same. Maybe It's more formal the second one. But I really don't know the diferent one.

Shii · Answer

the second one..

Clive · Answer

Hi,

I am to visit Canada next week. Much less common, and also a lot more formal. Suggests that the arrangements have been made already, often by someone else.
eg The Queen is to visit Canada . . .

I am going to visit Canada next week. A very common way of stating your plan.

Clive

CalifJim · Answer

NugsoI am to visit Canada next week.

Very formal. Almost never used in conversation. There is an implication that it is a duty, as if:

I am supposed to visit Canada next week.

NugsoI am going to visit Canada next Week.

Normal conversational form. No duty is implied. Most likely you are going to Canada because you planned to go to Canada.

CJ

Be To / Be Going To

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