Present Continuous and Simple Present with a future meaning

a) Present Continuous with a future meaning Study this example situation:

This is Tom s diary for next week. 92

He is playing tennis on Monday afternoon. He is going to the dentist on Tuesday morning. He is having dinner with Ann on Friday.

In all these examples, Tom has already decided and arranged to do these things.

When you are talking about what you have already arranged to do, use the Present Continuous (/ am doing).

— A: What are you doing tomorrow evening? B: I'm going to the theatre.

— A: Are you playing football tomorrow?

B: Yes, but Tom isn't playing. He has hurt his leg.

— A: Ann is coming tomorrow.

B: Oh, is she? What time is she arriving?

A: At 10.15.

B: Are you meeting her at the station?

A: I can't. I'm working tomorrow morning.

When we use the Present Continuous in this way, we often give the future time, (eg on Saturday evening, on Monday, this afternoon, next weekend)

The Present Continuous cannot be used to express an event that has not been arranged by human beings. We cannot say: It is snowing tomorrow. The sun is rising at 5.00 tomorrow morning.

The verbs found in this tense are for the kind of events you would put in your diary, that is, verbs of activity and motion.

b) Simple Present with a future meaning

We use the Simple Present when we are talking about timetables, programmes, etc. (for example: for public transport, cinemas)

— What time does the film begin?

— The train leaves Plymouth at 10.30 and arrives in Lon­don at 13.45.

— The football match starts at 8 o'clock.

— Tomorrow is Wednesday.

— The Cup Final takes place on April 13.

We do not normally use the Simple Present for present arrangements.

What time are you meeting Ann? (not "do you meet")

Self check

1. Put the verbs in brackets into the Simple Future, the Present Continuous or the Simple Present.

1.1 am sure that I (recognize) him. 2. Look! I've broken the teapot. What Mrs Pitt (say)? — She (not mind); she never liked that one. 3. There (be) a big meeting here tomorrow. 4. We (have) a party next Saturday. Would you like to come? 5. The concert this evening (start) at 7.30. 6. I (not go) away for my holidays next month because I haven't got enough money. You (go) away? 7. He has cut my hair too short. — Don't worry; it (grow) again very quickly. 8. Ann, we (go) to town. You (come) with us? 9. What time the next train (leave)? 10. Where you (meet) them? — I (meet) them at midnight in the middle of the wood. 11. He (not forget) to come. 12. The art exhibition (open) on 3 May and (finish) on 15 July. 13. George, is it true that you (get) married next week? 14.1 wonder if he (succeed). 15.1 (know) the result in a week. 16. Perhaps he (arrive) in time for lunch. 17.1 wonder how many of us still (be) here next year. 18. Newspaper announcement- The President (drive) along the High Street in an open carriage. 19. You (do) anything tonight? — Yes, I (go) to my carpentry class. 20. Announcement: Mr Pitt (present) the prizes. 21. The Queen (give) a garden party next week. You (go)? 22. Notice: The management (not be) responsible for articles left on the seats. 23. What we (do) now?—Wait. 24. My grandparents (celebrate) their golden wedding next week. 25. We (go) to the cinema? — Let's. 26. What we (do) with all the food that's left over? 27. When you (hear) the result? — I (not hear) for another week. 28.1 (not have) to do any cooking for a month. I'm going to a hotel. 29.1 (put) more salt in the stew? — Please do. 30. I (go) to the dentist tomorrow. Mr Pitt (take) my class. 31. There's someone at the door. — Is there? Oh, I (see) who it is. 32. I'm a bit cold. I think I (put on) a sweater. 33.1 (catch) the 6.30 plane tomorrow. — Where you (leave) your car? —I (not take) the car.

34. You (turn) off the TV, please? No one is watching it. 35. Where you (go) for your next holiday? — I don't know yet but we probably (go) to Spain. 36. We (have) a drink with Peter tonight. It's his last night; he (leave) tomorrow. 37. I (see) my bank manager tomorrow. I'm going to ask him for a loan but I expect he (refuse). 38. I probably (come) to London some time next month. I (give) you a ring nearer the time and tell you when I (come). 39. We'd better leave a message for Jack. Otherwise he (not know) where we've gone. — All right. I (leave) a note on his table. 40. Where you (meet) Tom? — We (meet) at Covent Garden. He (take) me to see the Magic Flute. 41. I (wait) for you? — No, don't bother. This (take) a long time, I'm sure, and I don't want you to miss your train. 42. I (fly) to New York next week. — You (take) your wife with you? 43.1 (ring) Peter tonight. (We have arranged this.) I (ask) him to ring you? — No, don't bother. I (be) away most of the week. I (write) to him. 44. Mary: Jack and I (go) out tonight. We (have) dinner at the Festival Hall and (go) to a concert afterwards. Ann: And what about the children? I (come) and babysit if you like. Mary: Oh, my neighbour (come) in to sit with them. But thank you for offering, Ann. I (ask) you next time.

Going to (/ am going to do)

1. We use going to (do) when we say what we have already decided to do, what we intend to do in the future, it expresses a premeditated intention. The going to future shows that we have a clear plan in our mind.

I'm going to have a party next weekend. (I have a plan to have a party.)

He's going to buy a second-hand car. (He intends to buy a second-hand car.)

— A: There's a film on television tonight. Are you going

to watch it? B: No, I'm too tired. I'm going to have an early night.

— A: I hear Ann has won a lot of money. What is she going

to do with it? B: I've heard she's going to travel round the world.

— A: Have you made the coffee yet?

B: No, but I'm just going to make it. (just = just at this moment)

2. Going to can also express a prediction, especially when it is based on a present fact. There is evidence now that something is certain to happen.

She's going to have a baby. (We can see she's pregnant.) Liverpool are going to win the match. (It's four nil, and there's only five minutes left.) It isn't going to rain. (Look at that lovely blue sky.) Watch out! Those boxes are going to fall over! Oh dear. Too late.

3. We use was/were going to to say what someone intended to do in the past (but didn't do):

— We were going to travel by tram but then we decided to go by car.

— A: Did Tom do the examination?

В: No, he was going to do it but in the end he changed his mind.

— I was just going to cross the road when someone shouted "Stop!"

Will or Going to

1. We use both will and going to in predictions about the future, but there is a difference:

We use will to talk about what We use going to (not will) when

we think or believe will happen there is something m the present

m the future situation that shows what will

happen in the future The speaker feels sure about what will happen because of the situation now

I think Tom will get the job Look at those black clouds It's

We'll be there by Monday night. going to ram (the clouds are there now)

I feel terrible I think I'm going to be sick (I feel terrible now)

2. We use both will and going to to express intention, to talk what we intend to do but there is a difference here:

Will is used to express a Going to is used to express a

decision or intention made future plan, decision or intention

at the moment of speaking made before the moment of speaking.

"Oh dear' I've spilt some wine "Why have you moved all the

on my jacket " "Don't worry furniture out of the room?" "I'm

I'll clean it for you " going to clean the carpet."

What shall I do tomorrow? «Why are you putting on these

I know I'll paint the kitchen old clothes'?" "I'm going to paint

the kitchen "

Self check

I. Complete the sentences using will or going to and the verbs-in brackets

1. What can I do this evening? I know! I (go) and see Sue.2. "Would you like to come to my house this evening?" "Yes, all right. I (come) at 9 o'clock." 3. I don't feel very well. I think I (faint). 4. "It's Simon's birthday soon. I've decided to buy him the new Blues Brothers record." "Oh, he doesn't like the Blues Brothers any more." "Oh, really? Well, I (get) him something to wear." 5. Oh, no! Look at those cars! They (crash)! 6. "I could lend you some money if you like." "Could you? I (pay) you back on Friday." 7. "Why did you buy this flour?" "I (make) some bread." 8. "Could you get me a glass of water?" "Certainly. I (get) you one. Would you like some ice in it?" 9. I arranged to borrow some money because I (buy) a motorcycle tomorrow. 10. "Could someone please open the window?" "I (do) it." 11. "I (wear) a dark suit to the wedding reception. How about you?" "I'm not sure." 12. "What are your vacation plans?" "I (spend) two weeks on a Greek island." 13. "Hi, Josh. I hear that you (move) into a new apartment." " That's right. Sara and I found a great apartment on 45th Street." "I (help) you on moving day if you like." 14. "So you (get) married." "That's right. On September 22nd." "My congratulations." 15. "If you can wait just a few minutes, I (walk) to the meeting with you." "Okay. I (meet) you by the elevator." 16. "Can you give Ed a message for me?" "Sure.

 

I probably (see) him at the meeting this evening." 17. "What do you want to be when you grow up?" "I (be) an astronaut." 18. "What's all this paint for? You (paint) your house?" "No, we (paint) my mother's house." 19. "Let's make something easy for dinner. Got any ideas?" "I (make) some hamburgers. Why don't you make a salad?" "Sounds good." 20. "Excuse me, waiter! This isn't what I ordered. I ordered a chicken sandwich." "Sorry, sir, I (take) this back and get your sandwich." 21. "Did you remember to book seats?" "Oh no, I forgot. I (telephone) for them now." 22. "You (buy) meat?" "No, I (not eat) meat any more. I (eat) vegetables." 23. "Look what I've just bought at an auction!" "What an extraordinary thing! Where you (put) it?" 24. "You (open) the door for me, please?" "Yes, certainly." 25. "You (do) the washing-up tonight?" "No, I think it can wait till tomorrow." 26. "You (lend) me your season ticket?" "No, I (not lend) it to you. It is against the law." 27. I haven't bought any cigarettes because I (give) up smoking. 28. "There's the phone again. Take no notice." "You (not answer) it?" 29. That boat's full of water. It (sink)! 30. You aren't wearing your climbing boots. You (not climb) the mountain with the others? 31. "You (lend) me your fishing rod?" "Yes, of course. Where you (fish)?" 32. "You (eat) any more of this, or I (tell) the waiter to take it away?" 33. "You (bath) your dog?" "Yes, you (help) me?" 34. Five French sailors (sail) round the world on a catamaran. They hope that they (complete) their trip in only 79 days. If they succeed, they (set) a new world record. Jean Dubois told our reporter, "It (be) an easy journey. Our worst problem probably (be) seasickness." 35. John has to go to the airport to catch a plane. He hasn't got a car:

John: Alan, can you take me to the airport this evening?

Alan: Of course I (take) you. I'd be delighted. Later that day Eric offers to take John to the airport.

Eric: John, do you want me to take you to the airport?

John: No, thanks, Eric. Alan (take) me. 36. He: Where we (spend) the night?

She: Cardiff. I've booked us in at the Angel Hotel. Why do you ask?

He: That's another thirty miles away. We (run) out of petrol before we get there. I (stop) at the next filling-station. Half an hour later.

She: The road goes on forever.

He: We (get) stuck. The car's stopping. We (have) to

walk.

She: Come on then. Perhaps someone (give) us a lift. He: Not a filling-station in sight and look at those black

clouds. It (rain).

She: Look! A car's coming. I (wave) to the driver. He: Oh good! He's slowing down. He (stop).

37. Janet: Someone told me-you and the family (go) and live

in Alaska. Is it true?

Graham: Yes, it is. I (work) for a building company. Janet: That (be) interesting.

Graham: I hope so. It (be) something different. It certainly ' (be) a bit colder than London.

Janet: When you (leave)? Graham: On the tenth of next month. We (be) there in three

weeks. Janet: Oh, so it (not be) long now. Jerry and I (be) sad to

see you go. Graham: Oh, we (be) back some time. We (not be) there

for ever. And you can always come to Alaska and

see us. Janet: Well, that isn't a bad idea. We (visit) my sister in

Vancouver next summer. Graham: Oh, that's great. We (see) you next summer then.

38. A: Why is Carlos wearing a suit and tie? He usually

wears jeans to class.

B: He (give) a speech at the faculty lunch today.

A: Really? What he (speak) about?

B: About university study in his country.

Present Continuous (7 am doing) or Going to?

1. Present Continuous is more natural when you are talking about planned arrangements, going to is preferable when you are talking about planned intentions.

Notice the difference in meaning between:

Present Continuous

I'm buying a new car on Saturday. (It is arranged, already organized.)

Going to

I am going to buy a new car.

(I intend to buy one, but I have no particular car in mind.)

There is often little difference between a future intention and a future arrangement, and often going to and the Present Continuous are interchangeable.

We're going to see

Hamlet at the Royal Theatre tonight. We're seeing

2. When we make predictions about the future, we can use going to (or will), but not the Present Continuous.

It's going to rain tomorrow. (It's raining tomorrow is not possible.)

Self check

I. Use the Present Continuous or going to.

1. It's 6.30. We (miss) our train. 2. You (eat) all that? 3. This airplane (crash). 4. I've lent you my car once. I (not do) it again. 5.1 (play) bridge tonight with Tom and Ann. 6. What you (tell) the police? — I (tell) them the truth. 7. What you (do) with the money? 8. I (read) you his answer to my letter of complaint. 9. There was very little blossom this spring. Apples (be) scarce. 10.1 don't like this macaroni. I (not finish) it. 11. Mr Pitt has just phoned to say that he (not come) back till Wednesday night 12. Her parents (give) a party for her next month. They (invite) sixty guests. 13. The inspector (ask) you a few questions. 14. He (wash) the car? 15. She (sing) in her first big concert next month. 16. He (go) to Spain for his holidays. — He (fly)? — No, he (go) by boat. 17. Where you (go) this evening? — I (not go) anywhere. I (stay) at home. I (write) some letters. 18. You (do) anything next weekend? — Yes, my nephews (come) and I (show) them

round London. — You (take) them to the theatre? — No, they're too young for that. I (take) them to the zoo. 19. Where you (go) for your holidays? — I (go) to Norway. — What you (do) there? -— I (fish). 20. We (start) early tomorrow. We (go) to Ben Nevis. — You (climb) Ben Nevis? — Not me. Tom (climb) it. I (sit) at the bottom and do some sketching. 21.1 hear you (go) to the regatta tomorrow. You (sail) in it? — No, but we (take) our cameras. We (try) to photograph the winning yachts. 22. You (not ask) your boss for a rise? — It isn't worth while. I (leave) at the end of the week.—Really? And what you (do) then? You (have) a holiday? — No, I (start) another job the following Monday. 23. Mrs Jones (go) to hospital. She (have) her appendix out. — Who (look) after the children? — Her sister (come) down from Scotland. 24. He isn't happy at his boarding school. I (send) him to a day school. — Have you decided on the other school? — No, but I (see) the headmaster of the Park School this afternoon. I'll probably send him there. 25.1 (buy) a new coat. The weather report says that it (be) very cold. 26. I hear you've bought a new house. — Yes. I (move) in next week. — You (have) a house warming party? — Not just yet. I (paint) the house first. 27. That rider (fall) off.

28. Ann has won a car in a competition but she can't drive. Tom asks her, "What you (do) with the car? You (sell) it?" Ann answers, "No, I (learn) to drive. I (have) my first lesson next Monday."

29. Be careful! You (break) that glass. 30. He (not come) next Saturday. 31. Look out! You (hurt) yourself with that knife. 32. It (snow) later tonight.

Future Continuous

*

1. We use the Future Continuous (will be doing) to talk about something which will be in progress at a time in the future.

I'll be having dinner at 7.00.

Don't phone me at 8.00. I'll be doing my homework then.

What will you be doing this time next week?

I'll be waiting at the station when your train arrives.

2. We also use the Future Continuous for planned actions.

I'll be going to the city centre later. Can I get you anything?

With this meaning will be doing is similar to am doing.

I'm going to the city centre later.

"Would you like me to give Peter a message for you?" "Oh, I don't want to trouble you." "It's no trouble, really. I'll be seeing Peter tomorrow anyway."

We often use will (you) be-mg? to ask about people's plans, especially when we want something or want someone to do something.

"Will you be using your bicycle this evening?" "No, you can take it."

"Will you be passing the post office when you go out?" "Yes, why?"

When we use will be doing form in this way, it often suggests that we do not want to change the other person's plans.

3. The Future Continuous also expresses an action that will occur in the natural course of events, independently of the will or intention of anyone directly concerned.

In a few minutes we will be landing at Heathrow Airport. Hurry up! The bus will be leaving any minute.

Self check

I. Put the verbs in brackets into the Future Continuous or the Simple Future.

1. I'll call for her at 7. — No, don't; she still (have) bteakfast then. 2. You've just missed the last train! —Never mind. I (walk). 3. You ask him. It's no good my asking him. He (not do) anything I say. 4. He says he (meet) us at the bus stop, but I'm sure he (forget) to do it. 5. Don't ring now; she (watch) her favourite TV programme. — All right. I (ring) at 8.30.6. Mother: I'm so grateful for the help you've given Jack; I hope you (be) able to go on helping him. Teacher: I'm afraid I (not teach) him next term because I only teach the fifth form and he (be) in the sixth. 7. School­boy (in school dining hall): The last week of our last term' I wonder what we (do) this time next year. Friend: Well, we (not

eat) school dinners anyway. That's one comfort. 8. I'd like to double-glaze the bedroom windows. — All right. I (get) the materials at once and we (do) it this weekend. 9. You (have) lunch with me on the 24th? — I'd love to, but I'm afraid I (do) my exam then. 10. We (meet) him at the station? — Oh, he (not come) by train. He never comes by train. 11. Wait a bit. Don't drink your tea. The milkman (come) in a minute. 12. I (work) for Mr Pitt next week as his own secretary (be) away. 13. You (have) something to drink, won't you? 14. Why did you take his razor? He (look) for it everywhere tomorrow. 15. I've fished that river every year for the last fifteen years. — Well, nobody (fish) it next year. The water's been polluted. All the fish are dead. 16.1 don't feel well enough to go to the station to meet him. — I (meet) him for you. But how I (recognize) him? — He's small and fair, and he (wear) a black and white school cap. 17.1 hope you (do) well in the race tomorrow. I (think) of you. 18. You've left the light on. — Oh, so I have. I (go) and turn it off. 19. I've just been appointed assistant at the local library. — Then you (work) under my sister. She is head librarian there. 20.1 want to post this letter but I don't want to go out in the rain. — I (post) it for you. I (go) out anyway as I have to take the dog for a walk. 21. The prima ballerina is ill so I expect her understudy (dance) instead. 22. This time next Monday I (sit) in a Paris cafe reading Le Figaro. — You (not read). You (look) at all the pretty girls. 23.1 (cook) any fish you catch, but I (not clean) them. You'll have to do that yourself. 24. It is nearly autumn; soon the leaves (change) colour. 25. Mother (on phone): My son has just burnt his hand very badly. Doctor: I (come) at once. 26. My son will be in the sixth form next year. — That means that old Adder (teach) him mathematics. 27.1 (not show) you any films this time. The projector's broken down. 28. Housewife: This time next week I (not wash) up the breakfast things. I (have) breakfast in bed in a luxury hotel. 29. Cus­tomer in restaurant: Waiter, this plate is dirty. Waiter: I'm sorry, sir. I (bring) you another. 30.1 (not wear) glasses when you see me next. I (wear) contact lenses. You probably (not recognize) me. 31. You (use) your typewriter tomorrow evening? — No, you can take it. 32. Guest: May I use your phone to ring for a taxi? Hostess: Oh, there's no need for that; my son (drive) you home. 33. Come on deck; we (enter) harbour in a few minutes. 34. Are you nearly ready? Our guests (arrive) any minute. 35. She

says that she (not lend) me the book, because I never give books back. 36. James (leave) for Australia quite soon. He has got a job there. 37.1 (get) you some aspirins if you like. The chemist's still (be) open. — No, don't bother. The office boy (go) out in a minute to post the letters; I (ask) him to buy me some. 38. I (write) postcards every week, I promise, and I (try) to make them legible. If necessary I (type) them. 39. I'm going to Switzerland next week. — You're lucky. The wild flowers just (come) out. 40. You (see) Tom this afternoon. I'd like you to give him a message. 41.1 (tell) her what you say but she (not believe) it. 42. This time tomorrow everyone (read) of your success and all sorts of people (ring) up to congratulate you. 43. You (use) your dictionary this morning? — No, you can borrow it if you like. 44. We've just got to the top in time. The sun (rise) in a minute.