Present Continuous for the Future
Learn how to use the present continuous for the future in English.
Present Continuous
Point 1:
We often use the present continuous for plans we
do not expect to change.
- I am meeting my dad tonight.
- I am working tomorrow.
- I'm not doing anything tonight.
- I'm not leaving until Monday.
Point 2:
We often use the present continuous when someone
else is aware of your plans; meaning it is
scheduled.
- I'm meeting Sue tomorrow.
- My mother is coming over tonight.
- She's not arriving until Sunday.
- The meeting is starting soon.
Point 3:
If the plans involve just one person, we usually
use going to + verb instead.
- I am not working tomorrow. (Other people expect it.)
- I am going to stay home and study.
- Bob is not coming to the party. (Other people expect it.)
- He is going to skip the party this time.
Point 4: Going to and the
present perfect are very close in meaning. You
can usually use going to instead of the
present continuous; the meaning stays the same.
- I am meeting my friend for lunch.
- I am going to meet my friend for lunch.
- I am leaving for Spain on Monday.
- I am going to leave for Spain on Monday.
Point 5:
The difference between will, going to and the present continuous depends on how much
people know in advance.
- I will meet you tomorrow. (I just thought to do this.)
- I am going to meet you tomorrow. (I already thought of it.)
- I'm meeting you tomorrow. (It's scheduled. Other people know about it.)
Answer the following questions about the interview.
About the Teacher
My name is Todd Beuckens and I am an ESL teacher in Thailand. I created this site to provide teachers and students free audio lessons and learning materials not usually found in commercial textbooks.