The present continuous and present simple for future events
Introduction
I'm meeting some friends for lunch tomorrow. 
The bus leaves at 3:00.
Definition
We can use the present continuous to talk about future arrangements.
The present simple for future events is sometimes called the timetable future. It is used to describe certainties in the future.
Construction
Affirmative: subject + 'to be' + present participle He is visiting his parents this weekend.
Negative: subject + 'to be' not + present participle He isn't visiting his parents this weekend.
Interrogative: 'to be' + subject + present participle Is he visiting his parents this weekend?
Note that we usually mention a particular date or time.
Affirmative: Subject + bare infinitive The train leaves at 10.35.
Negative: Subject + do + not + bare infinitive The train doesn't leave at 10.35.
Interrogative: Do + subject + bare infinitive Does the train leave at 10.35?
Uses
The present continuous:
| Uses | Examples |
|
Social arrangements |
I'm meeting Michel for a coffee after work. We're having dinner on Saturday and going to the theatre.
|
|
Other arranged events/appointments |
I'm seeing my doctor tomorrow. I'm having my hair cut next week.
|
|
Responding to suggestions or invitations |
Are you free for lunch tomorrow? No, sorry. I'm playing tennis in the morning and going shopping with my sister in the afternoon. How about next Saturday?
|
Note that "What are you doing this weekend/tonight..?" is a useful expression for beginning a conversation. It can be either:
· an example of 'small talk' with someone we don't know very well
· an expression of genuine interest in someone's plans
· a subtle way to ask 'Are you free?' if you want to ask someone out.
Present continuous or 'going to'?
When using going to, we might mention a specific time but the focus is on an intention. If the focus is on our fixed plans and arrangements, we use the present continuous.
Compare:
"We still have a problem with the computers so we're going to discuss it at the next meeting." [an intention]
"We still have a problem with the computers." "Yes, I know but don't worry, we're discussing it at the meeting tomorrow." [ a fixed plan]
Present simple
Uses | Examples |
Transport timetables |
The plane takes off at 6.30 on Wednesday morning. What time does your train leave? There isn't a bus from Paddington after 10 this evening.
|
Scheduled events |
The concert starts at 9.00 pm. We have an emergency staff meeting in one hour. Your next English meeting is on the 5th of April at 8.30. Is that OK for you?
|
Fixed, unchangeable events and plans |
The sun sets two minutes earlier tomorrow. High tide is at 6 tomorrow. When do you start your new job?
|
After words such as when, until , as soon as, if, after, and before
|
I will tell him as soon as he arrives. I'm staying inside until it stops raining. She will call us when she is ready.
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Examples
You're meeting your new clients tomorrow, aren't you? Yes, I'm picking them up from the airport & taking them out to lunch.
Are you seeing George again this week?
Are you doing anything special this weekend?
No, just the usual. Taking the children to the park and visiting my parents.
What about you two?
We're working in the garden and on Sunday, we're trying that new Italian restaurant.
What are you doing tonight? Nothing much, watching TV, relaxing...
The match between Liverpool and Everton kicks off at 2:00 on Saturday.
The Air France flight to New York leaves Charles de Gaulle at 14:25.
According to the itinerary we go out to the island this afternoon, we go on a tour of the monastery and then have a drink before we take the boat back to the mainland.
The shop opens again at 9 o'clock tomorrow morning.
