having/is going to have

[GUEST2008]

Hi

My sister is having a baby next month.
My sister is going to have a baby next month.

It seems to me that the second one is better, but I'm not sure why? Is the first one possible?

[Harry Smith]

Hi

My sister is having a baby next month.
My sister is going to have a baby next month.

It seems to me that the second one is better, but I'm not sure why? Is the first one possible?

As to me both are possible! The first one shows the fixed period in future she is going to have a baby. You can also say: My sister will give a birth to a baby next month.

[riverkid]

Hi

My sister is having a baby next month.
My sister is going to have a baby next month.

It seems to me that the second one is better, but I'm not sure why? Is the first one possible?

G'day Guest2008.

Harry's nailed it but it might be helpful for you and other ESLs, if you explained why you think the 2nd one is better and the 1st one doubtful.

[banderas]

Hi

My sister is having a baby next month, said her doctor.
My sister is going to have a baby next month. How do you know. It is obvious, mate. Loot at her belly.

It seems to me that the second one is better, but I'm not sure why?

Yes, absolutely. You are right.

Is the first one possible?

Yes, it is.

Regards for a Polish member from a Polish member.

[GUEST2008]

G'day Guest2008.

Harry's nailed it but it might be helpful for you and other ESLs, if you explained why you think the 2nd one is better and the 1st one doubtful.

I just thought that using the verb "have" with "ing" at the end is quite unusual, and it's better not to write it this way, and that's why I thought that the 2nd one would be better.

[RonBee]

My sister is having a baby next month.
My sister is going to have a baby next month.

Neither is better, and both are quite commonly used.

[riverkid]

I just thought that using the verb "have" with "ing" at the end is quite unusual, and it's better not to write it this way, and that's why I thought that the 2nd one would be better.

Hi again Guest. As Ron noted it is in common use. This is "present continuous for the future" and it's used mostly for short term plans already decided upon.

I'm playing tennis on Friday.

I'm going to Poland next week.

I guess that we could view it as a simplified "be going to".