[Grammar in Use, intermediate] Unit 18. Present Tense (I am doing/ I do) with a Future Meaning

##### Unit 18. Present Tense (I am doing / I do) with a Future Meaning

현재진행/현재 시제 (미래의미)

#1. Present Continuous (I am doing) with a future meaning

a. We  can use Present continuous with a future meaning when we has already decided and arranged to do something.

+ This is Ben's calendar for next week.

- 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, Ben has already decided and arranged to do these things.

"I'm going to (do)" is also possible, but the present continuous is more natural for arranged to do.

+ What are you going to do Saturday night?

- I'm going to the theater.

+ What time is Cathy arriving tomorrow?

- At 10:30. I'm meeting her at the airport.

Do not use "will" to talk about what you have arranged to do.

b. You can also the present continuous for an action just before you begin to do it. (막 방금 시작한거)

This happens especially with verbs of movement (go / come / leave, etc.):

+ I'm tried. I'm going to bed now. Good night.

+ Tina, are you ready yet?  - Yes, I'm coming.

#2. Simple Present (I do) with a future meaning 

a. You can use the simple present when you talk about schedules, programs, etc. 

(for public transportation, movies, etc.):

+ My flight leaves at 11:30, so I need to get to the airport by 10:00.

+ What time does the movie begin?

+ It's Wednesday tomorrow. Tomorrow is Wednesday. (소름돋음ㅋㅋ)

b. You can use the simple present to talk about people if their plans are fixed like a schedule:

+ I start my new job on Monday.

+ What time do you finish work tomorrow?

*but, the continuous is more commonly used for personal arrangements

+ What time are you meeting Ann tomorrow?

# 3. Compare :

Present Continuous		Simple Present
+ What time are you arriving?  + I'm going to the movies tonight.		What time does the plane arrive?  The movie starts at 8:15  (tonight).