111: How to Use the Present Continuous and the Present Simple to Talk About the Future.
How To Use The Present Continuous To Talk About the Future:
We can use the present continuous to talk about fixed organized future events or schedules, particularly when these events or schedules have been set up by us. We use going to to talk about plans and in many cases both going to and the present continuous would be suitable. However the present continuous implies that all the steps necessary to implement the plan have been carried out, whereas going to implies that it is no more than a plan. For example: Tomorrow I am going to see a film (a plan). Tomorrow at 4 o'clock I am seeing a film (I probably already have the tickets and have organized when and where to meet my friends beforehand).
The following video explains how to Use the Present Continuous to Talk About the Future:
Hi. How to use the present continuous to talk about the future.
How to Use the Present Simple to Talk About the Future:
We can use the present simple to talk about future scheduled events or timetables, however we normally use it when these events or schedules are public and have not been organized by us. For example timetables for buses, trains or aeroplanes, or for the schedule of a convention or learning programme. So you would say "My plane leaves at midnight." or "Introductions are at 11 a.m. and the first speaker starts at 12.30 p.m."
The following video explains how to Use the Present Simple to Talk About the Future:
Hi. The present simple to talk about the future