Present Tense for the Future

We saw how the present simple and present continuous is used.

REVIEW:

Present Simple:

Facts: The world is round. It travels around the sun.Thoughts and feelings: I love Liverpool Football Club. I think they are the

best team in the world. Regular activities: She goes to the gym every day. She often goes

swimming as well. (Remember adverbs of frequency)

Present Continuous:

Things happening right now: You are reading a grammar review right now.Things happening now in life: I am taking dance classes at the university.

Comparing Present Simple and Continuous:

Regular activities vs. something different:

We usually go to that restaurant on Tuesdays but today it is closed so we are going to a different one.

We can also use the present tenses to talk about the future.

Present Simple:

Future appointments, dates, etc.:

We have a meeting next Tuesday.My flight leaves at 2pm tomorrow.Your medical appointment is in 3 weeks.

Present Continuous/be going to:

When we want to talk about future plans that we have already made. The most common form is:

Be + going to + verb

I am going to stay at my parents’ house at the weekend.

However, it is also possible to just use the present simple:

I am staying at my parents’ house at the weekend.

Sometimes it is better to use ‘be + going to’ form, but not always, the difference is often subtle. If in doubt, use ‘be + going to’ form.

The exceptions are with the verbs go, do and have. It is usually better to use the present continuous form with these:

I am going to the beach this weekend. Better than: I am going to go to the beach this weekend.

We are having a party next week.He is doing the shopping tonight.