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Present continuous and present continuous for the future - Coggle Diagram
Present continuous and present continuous for the future
Present simple
We can often use either the
present simple
or
will
to talk about future events that are part of some time tabled or programmed arrangement or routine, However, we prefer the present simple for fixed, unchangeable events.
Does the sale finish on Thursday or Friday?
The sun rises tomorrow at 5:16 tomorrow.(More likely than The sun will rise...)
We avoid the
present simple
when we talk about less formal or less routine arrangements, or predictions, instead we use
will
,
be going to
, or
the present continuous
..
Are you staying in to watch TV tonight, or do you come?
It's only a problem in Britain now, but it will affect the rest of Europe soon)
We use
the present simple
, not
will
, to refer to the future -
In time clauses with conjunctions such as
after, as soon as, before, by the time, when, while, until:
When you see Ben, tell him he still owes me some money.
I should be finished by the time you get back.
In conditional clauses with
If, in case, provided, and unless
:
Provided the right software is available, I should be able to solve the problem.
I'll bring some sandwiches in case we don't find anywhere decent to eat.
When we talk about possible future events with
suppose, supposing, and what if
at the beginning of a sentence. Note that the past simple can be used with a similar meaning:
Suppose we miss the bus-how will we get home?
What if the train's late? Where shall I meet you then?
Present continuous
We can often use either the
present continuous
or
be going to
with a similar meaning to talk about planned future events. The present continuous indicates that we have a firm intention or have made a definite decision to do something, although this may not already be arranged:
Are you seeing the doctor again next week?
I'm not asking Tom to the party.
However,
we don't use the present continuous
for the future:
When we make or report predictions about activities or events over which we have no control (we can't arrange those).
I think is going to rain soon.
Scientists say that the satelite won't cause any damage when it falls to earth.
When we talk about permanent future situations:
People are going to live/will live longer in the future.
Her new house is going to have/ will have three floors
Many people avoid
be going to + go/ come
and use
the present continuous
forms of go and come instead:
I'm going to town on Saturday.
Are you coming home for lunch?