I Swear English › Verb Tenses › Present Tenses for the Future
How to form the present tenses for 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:
When to use it
- Present continuous for arrangements — future plans fixed with other people. I'm seeing the dentist on Tuesday.
- Present simple for timetables — scheduled events. The film starts at eight. Our flight leaves at noon.
Signal words & time expressions: tomorrow, on Monday, at 3 o'clock, next week, tonight
Watch the video lesson
Video transcript
Common mistakes to avoid
| Not quite… | Better |
|---|---|
| The train | The train leaves at 9 — for fixed timetables use the present simple. |
| I | I'm meeting my friends tonight — for personal arrangements use the present continuous. |
Frequently asked questions
When do I use the present simple for the future?
For scheduled, timetabled events that don't depend on you: transport, cinema times, opening hours, programmes.
And the present continuous?
For arrangements you have personally made with a specific time or place, especially involving other people.
Continue the course
This lesson is part of our free English Verb Tenses course — work through it in order or jump to what you need next.