Present Continuous and Present Simple for

the future

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.)

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 the 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.

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!

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....

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.

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.

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.

PRESENT SIMPLE:

What time does the train arrive?

The film begins at 8:15 this evening.

Something that we arranged at certain time!!!

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 46th Street.

I am giving them a set of cutlery as a weeding gift.

I have already arranged everything for my jurney to New York!

I have decided and might even bought the present already! I have aranged what to give as a present.

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 haven’t decided what to get yet.

Something that we arranged In detail!!!

Shows my intention of doing something, but not something that I have arranged in detail!!!