Plans, intentions and ambitions
Talk about ambitions, plans and intentions with hope to, plan to, intend to, be thinking of, would like to and dream of.
In this lesson you will
- Talk about plans and ambitions with verb patterns
- Express intentions with different strength
- Discuss life goals
Learn
Firm plans: I’m going to…, I’ve decided to…, I plan to…, I intend to…
Less certain: I’m thinking of + -ing, I might…, I hope to…, I’d like to…, I’m considering + -ing.
Dreams: I’ve always wanted to…, I dream of + -ing, One day I’d love to…
Watch the patterns: hope/plan/intend/decide/would like to* + verb; be thinking of / dream of / consider + -ing*.
Examples
- I’m thinking of changing careers.
- She hopes to study medicine.
- We intend to buy a house in the next five years.
- I’ve always wanted to learn to sail.
Vocabulary
ambition
a strong wish to achieve something
intend
plan to do
consider
think about doing
goal
something you want to achieve
career
the jobs you do over your working life
Practice
I’m thinking of ___ a course.
Listening: Future plans
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Coach: So, what are your plans after graduation?
Lina: I’ve decided to do a master’s, but I’m not sure where yet.
Coach: Have you considered studying abroad?
Lina: Yes, I’m thinking of applying to universities in the Netherlands.
Coach: And long term?
Lina: I’d love to work for an environmental organisation one day.
1.Lina has decided to do a master’s.
2.Where is she thinking of applying?
3.What is her long-term dream?
Speaking
Talk about your plans for the next year, your intentions for the next five years and one lifelong dream. Use at least six different expressions.
Writing
Write a personal statement paragraph (100–120 words) about your goals and how you intend to achieve them.
Lesson quiz
I plan ___ a new language.
Review
Key points
- Firm: decided to, intend to, plan to, going to.
- Less certain: thinking of + -ing, hope to, might.
- Dreams: always wanted to, dream of + -ing.
What you learned
- ✓ I can talk about plans and ambitions.
- ✓ I use the right verb patterns.
- ✓ I can show how certain my plans are.
Grammar reference: Gerunds and infinitives, Future forms: will, going to, present continuous