Future with a Present tense

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Future with a Present tense.
We can express the future with a present tense.

We can talk about events in the future with 3 forms:
1-the Present Simple form,
2-the Present Continuous form,
3-the « going to » form.

1/ Present Simple with a future meaning (of course):
Events in the future are « timetable » (flights, trains, meetings, etc …).
My plane leaves at 6 tomorow. Your train leaves at 8.53.
The shop is closing at 7.00. The supermarket opens at 10.00.

But we can also use the present continuous:
My plane is leaving at 8.30. Your train is leaving at 8.53.
The shop is closing at 7.00. The supermarket is opening at 10.00.

2/ Present Continuous form (« -ing » form) with a future meaning (of course):
Events in the future which are already arranged with others :
I’m leaving next Monday to New York City. (I’ve bought my flight ticket).
He’s picking me up at the airport. (We arranged the meeting point).
I’m having a dinner tonight with my brother. (He booked the restaurant for us).
I’m meeting my cousin tomorrow at 10 o’clock. (it’s sure, he wants some money ).
My director’s giving to me a super bonus. (We defined it together).

3/ With « I’m going to »:
I’m going to NEW YORK next week.
He’s going to pick me up at the airport.
She’s going to call her director.

Differences between …
… « Present Continuous » & « I’m going to »

I’m doing it.

I’ve decided it,

I’ve arranged to do it.

I’m repairing it.

I’m cleaning my room.

I’m going to do it.

I’ve decided it,

It’s not yet arranged.

I’m going to repair it.

I’m going to clean it.

 

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