Present Tenses (I am doing/I do)

with a Future Meaning

Present continuous (I am doing) with a future meaning

Study this example situation:

This is Ben's appointment book 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.

We use the present continuous to say what we have already arranged to do. Do not use the
simple present (I do):
» A: What are you doing on Saturday evening? (not What do you do)
B: I'm going to the theater, (not I go)
. • B: What time is Cathy arriving tomorrow?
A: At 10:30. I'm meeting her at the airport.
X I'm not working tomorrow, so we can go somewhere.
« Sam isn't playing football on Saturday. He hurt his leg.
"(I'm) going to (do)" is also possible in these sentences:
« What are you going to do Saturday night?
But the present continuous is more natural for arrangements. See also Unit 19B.
Do not use will to talk about what you have arranged to do:
« What are you doing tonight? (not What will you do)
• Eric is getting married next month, (not will get)

Simple present (I do) with a future meaning

We use the simple present to talk about timetables, schedules, etc. (for example, for public
transportation, movies, etc.):
n The plane leaves Chicago at 11:30 and arrives in Atlanta at 2:45.
• What time does the movie begin?
n Tomorrow is Wednesday.
You can use the simple present for people if their plans are fixed, like a schedule:
S I start my new job on Monday.
n What time do you finish work tomorrow?
But the continuous is more commonly used for personal arrangements:
S What time are you meeting Ann tomorrow? (not do you meet)
Compare:
• What time are you leaving tomorrow?
but What time does the plane leave tomorrow?
« I'm going to the movies tonight.
but The movie starts at 8:15 (tonight).

(I'm) going to Units 19, 22 Will Units 20-21 Simple Present after whenlif, etc. Unit 24
Exercises U N I T

18.1 A friend of yours is planning to go on vacation soon. Ask her about her plans. Use the
words in parentheses to make your questions.
18
i. (where /go?) Quebec.
2. (how long / stay?) Ten days.
3. (when /go?) Next Friday.
(go /alone?) No, with a friend of mine.
5. (travel / by car?) No, by train.
(where / stay?) In a hotel.

18.2 Ben wants you to visit him, but you are very busy. Look at your appointment book for
the next few days and explain to him why you can't come.
Ben: Can you come on Monday evening?
You: Sorry, but l^^lo^i^^o//eyha/J__ . (1)
Ben: What about Tuesday evening?
You: No, not Tuesday. I _ . (2)
Ben: And Wednesday evening?
You: (3)
Ben: Well, are you free on Thursday?
You: I'm afraid not. (4)

18.3 Have you arranged to do anything at these times? Write (true) sentences about
yourself.
1. (tonight) JlnLgoir^jDutJv^^
2. (tomorrow morning) I
3. (tomorrow night)
4. (next Sunday)
5. (choose another day or time)

18.4 Put the verb into the more appropriate form, present continuous or simple present.
1. I Jm^°Ing__ _. (go) to the theater tonight.
2. ^oesJ^TejTjo\/ie^b^jri______(the movie / begin) at 3:30 or 4:30?
3. We (have) a party next Saturday. Would you like to come?
4. The art exhibit ..... (open) on May 3.
5. I __ ___ (not / go) out this evening. I
(stay) at home.
6. "____ (you / do) anything tomorrow morning?" "No, I'm free."
7. We _ (go) to a concert tonight. It _
(begin) at 7:30.
8. You are on a train to New York and you ask another passenger:
Excuse me. What time (this train / get) to New York?
9. You are talking to Ann: Ann, I ...... (go) to the store.
(you / come) with me?
10. Sue _ __ (come) to New York tomorrow. She _.
(fly) from Vancouver, and her plane _ (arrive) at 10:15. I
_ (meet) her at the airport.
11. I __ __ (not / use) the car tonight, so you can have it.
12. (watching TV) I'm bored with this program. When ......... (it / end)?

37
5. I'm going to have (I am going to (7) Shall/Should I bring 16
have) lunch with Sue or I'm having (8) I'll explain (I will explain) 4. rings
(I am having) lunch with Sue (9) I see 5. were
6. are you going to have (10) I'll try (I will try) 6. 's (is)
7. I'll turn on (I will turn on) the light. 7. were or was
8. I'm going to turn on (I am going to 13
8. had been
turn on) the light, or I'm turning 1. I'll have (I will have) 9. had
on (I am turning on) the light. 2. Are you going 10. hadn't had (had not had)
3. It's going to land (It is going to 11. 'd driven (had driven)
11 land) 12. didn't read (did not read)
2. I'll go (I will go) 4. it's (it is)
3. shall/should we meet 5. I'll miss (I will miss) or I'm 17
4. begins going to miss (I am going to 2. came to see us now
5. I'll meet (I will meet) miss); you go 3. wouldn't have disturbed (would
6. I'm seeing (I am seeing) 6. does it end not have disturbed) you
7. Shall/Should I ask 7. I'm going (I am going) or I'm 4. you hadn't provoked (had not
8. I'll see (I will see) going to go (I am going to go); is provoked) the dog, it wouldn't
9. are going getting have attacked (would not have
10. does the movie begin 8. I'll tell (I will tell); I'm (I am); attacked) you
11. Are you meeting I won't be (I will not be) 5. 'd be upset (would be upset); I
12. I'll be (I will be) 9. I'm going to have (I am going to told them what happened
have) or I'm having (I am having) 6. wouldn't have gotten (would not
12 10. she apologizes have gotten) wet; I'd had (I had
1. (2) Are you going to take 11. we'll be living (we will be living) had) an umbrella
(3) it starts or it's starting (it is 12. you finish 7. hadn't been (had not been) [so]
starting) nervous, he wouldn't have failed
(4) you'll enjoy (you will enjoy) 14
(would not have failed) [his
(5) it'll be (it will be) or it's going 3. He must have forgotten. driver's test]
to be (it is going to be) 4. You shouldn't have left (should
2. (1) you're going (you are going) not have left) so early. 18
or you're going to go (you are 5. It can't be changed (cannot be Sample answers:
going to go) changed) now. 1.1 wasn't (was not) / weren't (were
(2) We're going (We are going) 6. She may be watching television. not) feeling so tired
or We're going to go (We are 7. She must have been waiting for 2.1 hadn't had (had not had) so
going to go) somebody. much to do
(3) you have or you'll have (you 8. He couldn't have done (could not 3.1 would've forgotten (would have
will have) have done) it. forgotten) Jessica's birthday
(4) I'll send (I will send) 9. You should've been (should have 4. you hadn't taken (had not taken)
(5) I'll get (I will get) been) here earlier. so long to get ready
(6) I get 10.1 would've helped (would have 5.1 would've gone (would have
3. (1) I'm having (I am having) helped) you. gone) to the concert
or I'm going to have (I am 11. You should've been warned 6. you were in trouble
going to have) (should have been warned). 7. there was/were no traffic
(2) are coming or will be coming 12. He might not have been feeling 8. people would go out more
(3) they'll have left (they will have very well, or He might not have
left) felt very well. 19
(4) they're (they are) 3.1 knew
(5) I won't be 15 4. I'd taken (I had taken)
(6) you know 3. could rain or might rain 5. Ann were or Ann was
(7) I'll call (I will call) 4. might have gone or could've 6. they'd hurry up (they would
4. (1) shall/should we meet gone (could have gone) hurry up)
or are we going to meet 5. couldn't go (could not go) 7. we didn't have (did not have)
(2) I'll be waiting (I will be waiting) 6. couldn't have seen (could not 8. we'd had (we had had)
(3) you arrive have seen) 9. it weren't (were not) or it
(4) I'll be sitting (I will be sitting) 7. should get wasn't (was not)
(5) I'll be wearing (I will be wearing) 8. wouldn't recognize (would not 10.1 could
(6) Is Agent 307 coming recognize) or might not recognize 11.1 hadn't said (had not said)
or Is Agent 307 going to come 9. must have heard 12. you'd slow down (you would
or Will Agent 307 be coming 10. should have turned slow down)

ANSWER KEY TO ADDITIONAL EXERCISES 331

 Present continuous (I am doing) for the future
and going to
12.1 These sen,
whichever
We use the present continuous and going to + infinitive (see also Unit 11C) to talk about future
activities and events that are intended or have already been arranged:
• She's making a speech at the conference next week.
• Are you seeing Tony this week? (= do you have an arrangement to see him?)
• I'm tired. I'm not going to work any more tonight.
• We're going to do some climbing in the Pyrenees. 5
We don't use will to talk about arrangements and intentions (but see Unit 11C): 6
• Apparently, the council are closing / are going to close the old library. (= reporting an
arrangement) (not ...the council will close...)

When we talk about an INTENTION to do something in the future, although no definite 9

arrangement has been made, we prefer going to rather than the present continuous. To emphasise 10
that we are talking about a DEFINITE ARRANGEMENT, we prefer the present continuous. Study
these sentences: 12.2 These sen
or going t
Before I go to China next year, I'm going They're leaving from Frankfurt airport at
to learn some Cantonese, (rather than 6.30 pm. (rather than They're going to
...I'm learning some Cantonese.) leave...) 3
I'm still not feeling very well, so I think We're having a party on Sunday, 12th 4
I'm going to see the doctor some time this November. Can you come? (rather than 5
week, (rather than ...I think I'm seeing the We're going to have...) 6
doctor...) The orchestra is performing Mahler's 5th
What are you going to do next, now that Symphony at next week's concert, (rather
you've finished your course? (rather than than ...is going to perform...)
What are you doing next...)

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 12.3 Which of
(we can't arrange these): the other
• I think it's going to rain / '11 rain soon, (not I think it's raining soon.)
• Scientists say that the satellite is going to fall / will fall to Earth some time this afternoon. I
(not ...the satellite is falling...)
• when we talk about permanent future situations:
• People are going to live / will live longer in the future, (not ...are living...)
• The brothers are going to own / will own most of the buildings in the street before long.
(not ...are owning...)
• Her new house is going to have / will have three floors, (not ...is having...)
• with the verb be:
• John's going to be a shepherd in the school play next week, (not John's being...)
• I'm going to be in Tokyo in May. (not I'm being in Tokyo...)
We tend to avoid going to + go and use the present continuous form of go instead:
• I'm going to town on Saturday, (rather than I'm going to go to town...)
• Alice is going to university next year, (rather than ...is going to go to university...)

Will and going to =

 UNIT
EXERCISES
12
These sentences refer to the future. Complete them with either going to or the present continuous,
whichever is correct or more likely, using any appropriate verb. (B)
ure
1 I can't go any further. I on that bench for a while.
2 The game at two o'clock tomorrow. I hope you can be there.
3 The service here is very slow. I to the manager if we're not served soon.
4 I have a right to be heard, and no-one me from putting my side of the
argument.
5 The two leaders for talks later this afternoon.
6 The bank has announced that it its interest rates by one per cent from
tomorrow.
7 Are you my questions or not?
8 I have to get up early tomorrow. I a physics class at 8.00 in the morning.
9 Before I apply for the job, I more information about it.
lasise 10 Brazil Colombia in today's final.
dy
12.2 These sentences refer to the future. Correct them where necessary (with either present continuous
or going to) or put </'if they are already correct. (C & D)
at 1 Unless aid arrives within the next few days, thousands are starving.
2 There are going to be more of us at the picnic than we'd thought.
3 I'm tired. I'm going to go to bed.
4 T can't get to the match after all.' 'That's a pity. Dave's being very disappointed.'
5 Clear the area! The bomb's exploding.
6 In future, the company is going to be known as 'Communications International'.
th 7 I've redecorated the bedroom. Do you think Jane is liking it when she gets home?
er 8 Whether we like it or not, within a few years biotechnology is transforming every aspect of
human life.
9 It's not a deep cut, but it's leaving a scar.
10 He is going to inherit his father's fortune.
11 Nina is going to go to Switzerland next week on business.
rol 12.3 Which of the three answers is wrong or very unlikely. What is the difference in meaning between
the other two? (A-D and Unit 11B)
1 She thinks living away from home when he goes to University.
a Dan will enjoy b Dan is going to enjoy c Dan is enjoying
2 I'm sorry, but I can't come for dinner to York tonight.
a I'll drive b I'm going to drive c I'm driving
3 Did you know a new car next week?
a I'll get b I'm going to get c I'm getting
4 'I'm going out now, Mum.'
'Well, I hope home too late.
Remember you've got to go to
school tomorrow.'
a you won't get
b you aren't going to get
c you aren't getting

25
 Present simple (I do) for the future EXER
13.1 Ifpossi,
present
We use the present simple when we talk about future events that are part of some OFFICIAL
ARRANGEMENT such as a timetable or programme:
• Their plane arrives at 2 o'clock in the morning.
• The next meeting of the committee is on November 5th.
• We get off the train in Bristol and continue by bus.
• I'm away on holiday next week. Can we meet the week after?
We often use will + infinitive in sentences like these with little difference in meaning, although the
present simple suggests that the arrangement is fixed and definite (See also Unit 11C.).

We don't use the present simple when we talk about PERSONAL PLANS or PREDICTIONS. Instead
we use will, going to, or the present continuous (see Units 11 and 12):
• I'm really exhausted. I'm just staying in to watch TV tonight, (not ...I just stay in...)
I
• Although it is a problem only in Britain at the moment, I think it will affect the rest of to thi
Europe soon, (not ...I think it affects the rest...) of m]
little
However, we prefer the present simple if we can make a definite, specific prediction because an
activity or event is part of an official arrangement such as a timetable or programme (see A):
• There is a full moon tonight. 13.2 Expand tht
• The sunrisesat 5.16 tomorrow. the order in
second. (C)
We use the present simple to refer to the future, not will, in adverbial clauses introduced by time
conjunctions such as after, before, when, and until: 1 he/need
After you go another 50 metres, you'll see a path to your left. A-fterHe
J When you see Dennis, tell him he still owes me some money. 2 I decide/
B&fore...
Wait here until I call you.
and in conditional clauses with if, unless, in case, and provided: 3 we / not li
Let me know //he says anything interesting. Until...
Provided the right software is available, I should be able to solve the problem. 4 he/take/
I'll bring a compass in case we get lost. Unless...
5 one pen/i
We use the present simple in that- and tvh-clauses when both the main clause and the that-1 wh- In cose...
clause refer to the future. We don't use will in the that- /if/7-clause in this kind of sentence: 6 I/meetyo
If...
main clause that- 1 wh-clause 7 traffic/noi
Provuied...
I'm going to make sure (that) you are invited next time, (not ...you will be invited...)
I'll let you know when she gets here, (not ...when she will get here.) 13.3 Which of the i
Tonight I'n
When the main clause refers to the present, we normally use will, not the present simple, in the By the time
that-1 wh-dause. However, if we are talking about a fixed arrangement we can use either will or claims it ma
the present simple. Compare: Some peopl
• /guarantee that you'll enjoy the play, (not ...you enjoy...) The new reg
• It is fortunate that they arrive at the same time tomorrow, (or ...they will arrive...) April.
Jim just pho
It says in the

Verb tense in that-clauses => I Adverbialsoftime=> I Conditionals => I

 UNIT
EXERCISES 13
t3.1 If possible, use the present simple of an appropriate verb to complete these sentences. If the
present simple is not correct, use will + infinitive. (A & B)
1 Ellis's new play at the Grand Theatre next week.
2 With more practice she an excellent violinist.
3 National No-Smoking week on October 24th.
4 On tonight's programme we to the deputy president about the latest
unemployment figures.
5 In a few moments, I over there and give the signal to start running.
6 The eclipse at three minutes past midday.
7 Dr Brown available again at 9.00 tomorrow.
8 The door in front of us automatically in a few moments.
9 We Amsterdam on Tuesday morning, but we Sydney until
Thursday evening.
LO
/ I
to the main point
of my talk in a
V little while.

13.2 Expand these notes to make a sentence beginning with the word(s) given. You will need to decide
the order in which to place them. Use the present simple in the first clause and will or won't in the
second. (C)
1 he / need complete rest / another two months he / come out / hospital
After He comes out of hospital, He will need, complete rest -for another two months.
2 I decide / buy / the house I / have / look at / an expert
Before...
3 we / not let her / walk / school alone she / a little older
Until...
4 he / take / work more seriously he / fail / his exams
Unless...
5 one pen / run out I / take two into / exam room
In case...
6 I/meet you outside/cinema 78.00 I / not / see you after school
If...
7 traffic / not too bad I / pick you up / work
Provided...

13.3 Which of the verbs is correct or more appropriate? Underline one or both. (D)
1 Tonight I'm going to check that Susan does /will do her homework correctly.
2 By the time the book is published next year, no-one will be interested in what scandalous
claims it makes I will make.
3 Some people believe that the earth is destroyed I will be destroyed by a nuclear accident.
4 The new regulations mean that businesses have to I will have to complete the form by 1st
April.
5 Jim just phoned. He says that he is I will be with us tonight.
6 It says in the programme that the concert finishes I will finish at 10.20.

27
Key to exercises

UNIT12 3a ('I'm going to get' suggests an UNIT 14

intention without a definite
12.1 14.1
arrangement; Tm getting'
Suggested verbs are given. Suggested verbs are given.
suggests a definite
1 'm going to sit 1 will be talking about/is talking
arrangement - perhaps the
2 is starting about (a planned event)
speaker has bought the car
3 'm going to complain 2 will be suffering from (not 'are
and is simply picking it up
4 is going to stop suffering from'; this does not
next week)
5 are meeting refer to a planned activity)
4c (there is little difference in
6 is increasing 3 will be living / am living (a
meaning here between 'you
7 going to answer planned event)
won't get' and 'you aren't
8 'm teaching 4 are getting (not 'will be
going to get')
9 'm going to get getting'; a surprising event)
10 are playing 5 won't be needing/using/wearing
(not 'am not needing/using/
12.2 UNIT 13 wearing'; this does not refer to
1 are going to starve (C: an event
13.1 a planned activity)
over which we have no control)
Suggested verbs are given. 6 will be carrying out / are
2 /
1 opens ('will open' is also carrying out (a planned event)
3 'm going to bed (D: 'going to
possible) 7 will be coming / are coming (a
go to bed' is also possible but
2 will become planned event)
less likely)
3 starts ('will start' is also 8 will be taking (not 'are taking';
4 's going to be (C: verb 'be')
possible) this is not a definite, fixed
5 's going to explode. (C: an
4 talk ('will talk' is also arrangement)
event over which we have no
control) possible) 14.2
6 / 5 will walk 1 a will be opening ('will open'
7 is going to like (C: permanent 6 begins ('will begin' is also is also possible); b will open
future situation) possible) 2 a will be trying ('will try' is
8 is going to transform (C: an 7 is ('will be' is also possible) also possible); b will try
event over which we have no 8 will open 3 a won't go; b won't be going
control) 9 leave ('will leave' is also 4 a will tell; b will be telling
9 's going to leave (C: possible); don't reach ('won't ('will tell us' is also possible)
permanent future situation) reach' is also possible) 5 a will be driving; b won't
10 / ('is inheriting' would also 10 will come drive (it would also be possible
be possible if the focus was on 13.2 to use 'go' in these sentences)
the arrangement; for example, 2 Before I decide to buy the 6 a will be organising; b will
if a recent meeting had been house, I will have it looked at organise
held at which this detailed by an expert. 14.3
decision was made) 3 Until she is a little older, we Possible answers are given.
11 is going to Switzerland (D: won't let her walk to school 2 Will you be going anywhere
'going to go to Switzerland' is alone. near the supermarket? or Will
also possible but less likely) 4 Unless he takes his work more you be going to the
12.3 seriously, he will fail his exams. supermarket?
Ic ('is going to enjoy' implies 5 In case one pen runs out, I'll 3 Will you be going by car (to
that this is prediction based take two into the exam room. the cinema)? or Will you be
on some evidence - perhaps 6 If I don't see you after school, driving (to the cinema)?
Dan has previously shown I'll meet you outside the 4 Will you be selling your car
that he enjoys being cinema at 8.00. soon? or Will you be selling
independent; 'will enjoy' 7 Provided the traffic isn't too your car in the near future?
suggests an opinion, not bad, I'll pick you up from
necessarily based on anything work.
the speaker knows about Dan) 13.3 UNIT 15
2a ('I'm going to drive' suggests a 1 does
personal intention; 'I'm 15.1
2 makes
driving' suggests a more 1 is to appear ('will appear' is
3 will be destroyed
definite arrangement - also possible)
4 have to / will have to
perhaps the speaker has been 2 will become
5 will be
told to go there by their 3 is to move ('will move' is also
6 finishes/will finish
employer) possible)

292