I
have
a meeting on the 15th, but I'
m
free on the following day.
What time
is
your flight?
The last train to Rome
leaves
at 22.30.
On day 6, we
visit
the pyramids.
His father
retires
in two years.
Christmas Eve
is
on a Tuesday this year.
Present continuous for fixed future arrangements
Used with a time expression, the present continuous tense can express fixed social or travel arrangements for the future:
"What
are
you
doing
tonight?" "I'
m going
out with some friends."
(it is settled)
They
are getting
married next month.
(they have made arrangements)
I'
m flying
to Istanbul on the 15th.
(I have booked my ticket)
Related topics:
Future continuous for future arrangements
The difference between WILL, BE GOING TO and the present continuous for future events
WILL and BE GOING TO for future intentions
Will (future simple) is used to express future intentions that are decided at the time of speaking (spontaneous offers, promises and decisions):
Come on, I'
ll help
you with those bags.
(seeing that someone is struggling with their shopping bags)
Be going to is used to express future intentions that have already been decided before the time of speaking:
I can't make it on Saturday. I'
m going to help
my parents around the house.
(referring to a decision that the speaker has made in the past)
WILL and BE GOING TO for predictions
Will (future simple) is used to make predictions that are based on personal judgement, opinion or intuition:
I'm sure you'
ll have
a lovely time in Italy.
(opinion)
Be going to is used to make predictions that are based on present evidence. The predicted event is either very near (and can be seen) or seems sure to happen:
My sister'
s going to have
a baby.
(we can see that she is pregnant)
BE GOING TO and present continuous for future plans
Be going to refers to future intentions that have been decided but have not been fully planned:
We'
re going to get
married.
(referring to a past decision)
The present continuous tense refers to fixed future events and emphasises that plans or arrangements have already been made:
We
are getting
married next month.
(the wedding has already been arranged)
Related topics:
Future simple for intentions (offers, promises and decisions)
Future simple for predictions
BE GOING TO for intentions
BE GOING TO for predictions
Present continuous for fixed future arrangements
Other expressions referring to future time
This topic is discussed under Modals » Other modal expressions.
Future time clauses
In time clauses that refer to future time (clauses with if, when, after, before, as soon as, once, until, while etc.) we use the present tenses:
Say hi from me
if you see him
.
(present simple)
Will you wait for me
until I get back
?
(present simple)
As soon as I arrive
, I'll give you a call.
(present simple)
You can play in the garden
when you have finished your homework
.
(present perfect)
I'll be waiting outside
while you are speaking to the doctor
.
(present continuous)
Quotes:
Live as you will wish to have lived when you are dying. - Christian Furchtegott Gellert
Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up. - Pablo Picasso
When you get to the top of a mountain, keep climbing. - Zen saying
Related topics:
Future simple in complex sentences
First conditional
Revision questions: future time
Which present tenses can express future events?
What is the difference between be going to and the present continuous tense when used to refer to future time?
Which structure or tense can be used to express a plan that has already been decided before the time of speaking?
What kind of predictions can be made by using the future simple tense?
For what meaning can we use both the present continuous and the future continuous tenses?
Exercises: future time
Future time - Exercise 1
Order the words to make sentences.
will the By time get there have Daniel we left
reception hold Where the they going are to
as order as we finish will soon cleaning up We a pizza
By 50 written I have e-mails will tonight at least
This taking tomorrow time I be will a test
we Wednesday a meeting on having Are
I will don't it think rain
using In everybody 30 years' time be solar will power
Shall this go weekend we out
start When the does match
Future time - Exercise 2
Choose the best answer for each of the following sentences.
Easter ... at the end of April this year.
is
will be
is going to be
"I don't know how to use this printer." "All right, I ... it to you."