Future: Present Continuous, and Present Simple

When do we use the Present Continuous for the future?

For fixed arrangements (personal plans with a specific time/date). Example: "I’m meeting Sarah at 7 PM." (Plan is confirmed.)

When do we use the Present Simple for the future?

For schedules/timetables (e.g., trains, movies, classes). Example: "The train leaves at 9 AM." (Fixed timetable.)

What’s the difference: "I’m flying to Paris" vs. "I fly to Paris"?

"I’m flying" = personal plan. "I fly" = part of a schedule (e.g., airline timetable).

Complete: "The concert __ (start) at 8 PM."

starts (Schedule → Present Simple.)

Correct the mistake: "We have a meeting tomorrow at 10."

"We ’re having a meeting tomorrow at 10." (Personal plan → Present Continuous.)

Complete: "The store __ (close) at 6 PM daily."

closes (Regular schedule → Present Simple.)

What time expressions pair with Present Continuous for future?

Tonight, tomorrow, this weekend, next week. Example: "She’s working tomorrow."

Convert to Present Continuous: "My flight is on Friday."

"I’m flying on Friday." (Personal arrangement.)

Correct: "The movie is starting at 7 PM."

"The movie starts at 7 PM." (Schedule → Present Simple.)

Complete: "I __ (go) to the dentist next Tuesday."

am going (Fixed personal plan.)

Why is "The sun rises at 6 AM tomorrow" correct?

Natural/scheduled events use Present Simple even for future.

Complete: "The conference __ (begin) on Monday."

begins (Official schedule.)

Correct: "They are take the train at 5 PM."

"They are taking the train at 5 PM." (Personal plan → Present Continuous.)

When is Present Simple not used for personal plans?

Only for impersonal schedules. ❌ "I start my project tomorrow." → ✅ "I’m starting…"

Complete: "The bus __ (arrive) at 3 PM sharp."

arrives (Timetable → Present Simple.)

What’s wrong with "We eat dinner at a restaurant tonight"?

Should be "We’re eating…" (Personal plan → Present Continuous.)

Convert to Present Simple: "The plane lands at 8 PM."

✅ Correct! (Timetable → no change.)

Complete: "He __ (not/work) this Friday."

isn’t working (Personal arrangement → Present Continuous.)

Correct: "The class is starting next week."

"The class starts next week." (Schedule → Present Simple.)

Complete: "I __ (watch) the game with friends tonight."

am watching (Fixed plan.)

Why is "The museum opens at 10 AM tomorrow" correct?

Scheduled event → Present Simple.

Convert to Present Continuous: "The shop closes at 9 PM."

❌ Can’t! (It’s a schedule → keep Present Simple.)

Complete: "They __ (get married) in June."

are getting married (Planned event → Present Continuous.)

What’s the negative form: "The train leaves at 5 PM."

"The train doesn’t leave at 5 PM." (Present Simple negation.)

Correct: "We’re have a party next Saturday."

"We’re having a party next Saturday." (Present Continuous for plans.)

Complete: "The flight __ (depart) at 6 AM, so we need to wake up early."

departs (Schedule → Present Simple.)

When do we avoid Present Simple for future?

For informal/personal plans. Example: ❌ "I call you later." → ✅ "I’ll call/I’m calling…"

Complete: "She __ (not/attend) the meeting tomorrow."

isn’t attending (Personal plan → Present Continuous.)

Convert to a schedule: "The seminar begins at 2 PM."

✅ Correct! (Present Simple for timetables.)

What’s the difference: "The show starts at 8" vs. "I’m starting the show at 8"?

First = schedule (e.g., TV). Second = personal plan.