Lesson 236--Using the Present Continuous for the Future

 

 

While we use the present continuous (is/are/am + ...ing) for things happening right now, we also use it to describe future events.  This is considered more sure than using going to  or will to express the future. To do this:

• we include a reference to the time we are doing the event
• the event must have been organized and agreed to by more than one person.

examples

I am playing tennis on Tuesday with my father. (The time has been agreed upon by my father)

 

Jim is flying to Miami on the 12th. (Jim, the airline, and even his travel agent agreed upon the time)

 

Maria is working late on Thursday. (Both Maria and her boss agreed upon this)

 

The whole family is spending Christmas in Cuba.

 

What are your future plans?

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