The simple present and the present continuous tenses can both be used to talk about the future. The simple present tense is used to talk about events which are part of a timetable. It is also used with a future meaning in subordinate clauses.
The present continuous tense is used to talk about pre-planned future events. In other cases, we are more likely to use a simple future tense.
Complete the following sentences using an appropriate verb form.
1The summer term ............... on April 18th.
Wrong!
We use the simple present for fixed dates on schedules, so the correct answer is "starts".
2My plane ............... at 3:30.
Wrong!
We use the simple present for transport timetables, so the correct answer is "leaves".
3When ............... in Bangkok?
Wrong!
We use the simple present for a timetable question, so the correct answer is "does the train arrive".
4I will pay you back when I ............... a job.
Wrong!
After "when" in a future time clause, we use the simple present, so the correct answer is "get".
5I ............... to the US next week.
Wrong!
We use the present continuous for a personal future arrangement, so the correct answer is "am going".
6She ............... for a new job.
Wrong!
We use the present continuous for a current temporary activity, so the correct answer is "is looking".
7Granny's train ............... at 5:30.
Wrong!
We use the simple present for train timetables, so the correct answer is "arrives".
8I will tell you if I ............... her name.
Wrong!
After "if" in a future condition, we use the simple present, so the correct answer is "know".
9"What are you doing there?" "I ............... a cake."
Wrong!
We use the present continuous for an action happening now, so the correct answer is "am making".
10I ............... Lucia on Tuesday.
Wrong!
We use the present continuous for a planned future arrangement, so the correct answer is "am seeing".
Answers
- The summer term starts on April 18th.
- My plane leaves at 3:30.
- When does the train arrive in Bangkok?
- I will pay you back when I get a job.
- I am going to the US next week.
- She is looking for a new job.
- Granny’s train arrives at 5:30.
- I will tell you if I know her name.
- “What are you doing there?” “I am making a cake.”
- I am seeing Lucia on Tuesday.
