Present tenses for the future (I’m doing / I do)
We can use a Present Tense (continuous / simple) with a future meaning.
Present Continuous… with a future meaning:
I’m doing something on Sunday. (I’ve already decided it!).
I’m going to do something…
What are you going to do on Monday? I’m going to the museum.
What are you going to do on Wednesday? I’m going to the cinema.
I’m meeting Peter at the airport on Thursday. He’s arriving at 10.00 pm!
I’m not working on Friday. With Peter, we’re going to the museum.
On Saturday, I’m not going to run with Matthew and Laura. They’re going to Paris.
You’ve arranged something to do?
Use the present continuous (not the future tense « will »)
What are you going to do next summer? I’m going to New York City (not I will go to NYC)
Just before starting an action, use the present continuous:
I’m going to the bed.
Peter, where are you? I’m coming…
Bye, I’m leaving …
=> Before a movement action, with go, leave, come, we use the present continuous.
For personnal arrangement:
I’m meeting Peter at 6.00 on Sunday, after we’re going to the theater.
Present Simple … with a future meaning:
If you talk about programmes, timetables (for cinema, theater, public hours…)
My plane leaves at 11.30 am.
What time does the film start at the cinema? The film starts at 10.15 pm.
About things fixed like a timetable:
On Friday, I finish work at 6.00 pm
On Wednesday, I go to the library at 10.00 am
REMEMBER:
Present Continuous with a future meaning:
because you’ve arranged it: I’m doing something on Sunday. (I’ve already decided it!).
before movement action with verbs go, come, leave: I’m going home.
before a personnal arrangement with someone: I’m meeting him at 8 o’clock!
Present Simple with a future meaning:
about a programme/timetable: My plane leaves at 11.30 am.
about habits: On Sunday, I go to the church at 9 o’clock.
And differences:
I’m arriving at 8.00 pm at the airport. But: The plane arrives at 8.00 pm
I’m going to the cinema at 10 o’clock. But: The film starts at 10 o’clock.
FUTURE: