Present Continuous and Present Simple for the future

Present Continuous and Present Simple for the future

n We use Present Continuous -To talk about future actions that are already foreseen or planned. In this case, we use an adverb or time expressions like tonight, tomorrow, next year / week / month, at five o’clock. . What are you doing next summer? I am meeting him at the airport tomorrow at nine o’clock. I am leaving Tokyo tomorrow morning at six o’clock. (I already have my plane ticket. )

n We use Present Continuous - When we have already decided and arranged to do something: A : What are you doing on Saturday evening? (not – What do you do!) B: I am going to theatre. (not – I go. . . ) A: What time Chaty is arriving tomorrow? B: Half past ten. I am meeting her at the station. I am not working tomorrow. So, we can go out somewhere! Ian isn’t playing football next Saturday. He’s hurt his leg.

n We use Present Continuous - For action just before you begin to do it. This happens especially with verbs of movement: go, leave, arrive, come, etc. I am tired. I am going to bed! Goodnight! Tina, are you ready yet? – Yes, I am coming!

n We use Present Continuous - For personal commitments that have previously planned, for which preparations have already been made. (for example, buying tickets, reserving seats, making appointments, etc. ) Jane’s team are playing an important match next week. (it is fixed date) I am seeing them after the conference. (I have an appointment with them. )

Ok, now something about usage of Present Simple for future. .

n We use Present Simple -To talk about timetables, progammes, etc. (for public transport, cinemas, etc. ) My train leaves at 16: 04. Will you take me to the station? What time does the film begin this evening? Tomorrow is Sunday.

n We use Present Simple - to talk about people if their plans are fixed like a timetable (actions that are part of a timetable, for example a holiday) We arrive in Barcelona at four o’clock. We have dinner at the hotel. We take a plane to Madrid at two p. m. the following day. What time do you finish your job tomorrow? I start my new job on Monday.

n We use Present Simple - The present Simple is also used in secondary sentences introduced by if, when, as soon as, when in the main sentence there is a future with WILL!!! If his eyesight deteriorates, they will operate! I will talk to him as soon as he arrives!

Now, let’s us compare Present Continuous and Present Simple!

PRESENT CONTINUOUS: What time are you arriving? I am going to the cinema this evening. Something that we arranged at certain time!!! PRESENT SIMPLE: What time does the train arrive? The film begins at 8: 15 this evening. Something that is part of timetable, programme, etc. !!!

Now, let’s us compare Present Continuous and Be + going to + Verb!

PRESENT CONTINUOUS: I am spending a couple of days in New York. I have booked a room in a hotel on 46 th Street. I am giving them a set of cutlery as a weeding gift. BE + GOING TO + VERB I am going to spend a couple of days in New York. I am going to give them a wedding present. I haven’t yet arranged anything. I have decided andarranged might even bought themy present already! I have already everything for Something we. York! arranged Shows my intention of doing I have aranged what to give as a present. jurney tothat New In detail!!! something, but not something that I have arranged in get detail!!! I haven’t decided what to yet.