The document discusses using the simple present and present progressive verb tenses to talk about scheduled future events and arrangements. It notes that a time expression like "in an hour" or "this week" is usually used to indicate it is referring to the future, not the present. Examples are given of using these tenses to talk about things like a plane leaving in an hour or a library closing at noon today. The document also covers using these tenses to discuss regularly scheduled events versus temporary changes, as well as personal plans versus predictions. Formal contexts may involve using "am/is/are + to-infinitive" to refer to future obligations or requirements.
2. In addition to the more common uses of the simple
present and present progressive, we can also use
these verb forms to talk about scheduled events and
arrangements in the future.
Notice: We almost always use a time
expression (such as in an hour, this week, or
tonight) to show that we are referring to the
future, not the present.
3. In addition to the more common uses of the simple
present and present progressive, we can also use
these verb forms to talk about scheduled events and
arrangements in the future.
School on September 3rd this year.starts
The plane in an hour.leaves
4. In addition to the more common uses of the simple
present and present progressive, we can also use
these verb forms to talk about scheduled events and
arrangements in the future.
The library at noon today.closes
When we this week?are meeting
5. In addition to the more common uses of the simple
present and present progressive, we can also use
these verb forms to talk about scheduled events and
arrangements in the future.
Most stores early tonight.are closing
I for London tomorrow night.’m leaving
7. When we talk about a scheduled event that takes place
regularly, we usually use the simple present.
We at 10 on Tuesday. Don’t forget to bring
your laptop.
Saturday’s game at noon.begins
meet
(= We meet regularly at 10 on Tuesday.)
8. When a scheduled event is temporary or changing, we
often use the present progressive.
Don’t forget. We at 9 instead of 10 on
Tuesday.
Why the game late tonight?
’re meeting
(= We’re meeting at 9 this Tuesday.)
is starting
10. We’re going to leave next month.
When we talk about personal plans and arrangements,
we sometimes use the present progressive instead of
be going to.
We’re leaving next month.
11. WARNING! Unlike be going to, we do not use the
present progressive to make predictions.
It’s going to rain tomorrow.
(NOT: It’s raining tomorrow.)
13. In formal contexts, we sometimes use am/is/are +
to- infinitive to refer to the future. Using this form
suggests that the future event is an obligation or
requirement.
I the president at 10:00.
The company its quarterly
earnings in December.
Is to announce
am to meet
(= I am required to meet the president at 10:00.)
(= The company is obligated to do this.)