The verb gonna is a shortened form of the verb “going to”, which is used to express the future. It is one of the most widely used English abbreviations that can be found in every English-speaking country.
This informal and colloquial verb was created by quickly pronouncing the original form of “going to”. It helps the speaker to express intention, purpose or certain future events. The verb “gonna” itself replaces the form “going to”.
When the verb “gonna” is used
This abbreviation is mainly used in spoken form and casual conversation. However, it is still used by American and British politicians, business people and even teachers.
In written form, it is only found in informal letters such as friendly chats, emails or messages to loved ones. For formal letters, the full form “going to” should always be used.
This is really the most commonly used abbreviation in the English language in general. That is why it is possible to come across this shape in various songs, informal poems or well-known sayings.
Sentence formation
Forming sentences using the abbreviation “gonna” is similar to using “going to”. We also always use them in combination with different forms of the irregular verb “be”.
So the general form of the sentence is:
Subject + be + gonna + the rest of the sentence.
| Singular | Plural |
| I am gonna | We are gonna |
| You are gonna | You are gonna |
| He/She/It is gonna | They are gonna |
TIP: learn everything about past tens of BE.
Much more common, however, is the use of abbreviations of the verb “be”. Therefore, the shortest possible form is more often used:
- I am gonna –> I’m gonna
- You are gonna –> You’re gonna
- He is gonna –> He’s gonna
Negative form of the sentence
The negative meaning of a sentence is created by simply adding the preposition “not” before the verb “gonna”.
Subject + be + not + gonna + the rest of the sentence.
Examples of using gonna:
- I am going to fly to Paris. –> I’m gonna fly to Paris.
- This is not going to be easy. –> This isn’t gonna be easy.
- What is she going to do about it? –> What‘s she gonna do about it?
- I am not going to fall asleep. –> I’m not gonna fall asleep
- She is going to love it. –> She’s gonna love it.