Future - Present Simple and Continuous
The Present Continuous is used for future arrangements. For example:
- I’m playing tennis with John tomorrow.
The Present Simple is used for scheduled events in the future. For example:
- He has a doctor’s appointment tomorrow. (It’s part of his schedule)
Present Continuous
The Present Continuous is used for future arrangements. For example:
- I’m going to see my friends this evening.
- He’s going to write a book.
- What are you going to do?
The use of the Present Continuous often stresses the involvement of other people in these arrangements.
Compare the future with going to, the Present Continuous and will:
- I’m going to visit my family this summer. - A future plan
- I’m meeting my family at 6.00. - A fixed arrangement involving other people.
Fixed arrangements can also use going to, but the Present Continuous is more common.
- I’ll meet my family tomorrow. - Will is usually not used with arrangements and this sounds unusual.
Present Simple
The Present Simple is used for events that are part of a timetable or schedule. While the events are in the future, their existence is already established in the present so we use the Present Simple. For example:
- The train arrives at 8.00 this evening.
- There’s a good concert on next week.
Compare the difference between the factual Present Simple, and the more personal Present Continuous:
- We’re having a party this weekend.
- The party starts at 6.00.
