The document discusses the use of the present continuous tense to talk about future plans and arrangements. It provides examples of using "be + verb+ing" to ask and talk about what someone is doing at a specific time in the near future. It also notes that "going to + infinitive" can be used in these cases. However, verbs that are not normally used in the continuous form should take the future tense instead. The simple present can refer to future events involving schedules and timetables but not personal plans.

1. PRESENT CONTINUOUS
WITH A FUTURE MEANING - 1
a) When you are talking about what you have
already arranged to do, use the present
continuous. Do not use the present simple:
- What are you doing tomorrow evening?
- I'm going to the theatre.
- Are you playing football tomorrow?
- Yes, but Tom isn't playing. He has hurt his leg.
- Ann is coming tomorrow.
- Oh, is she? What time is she arriving?

2. PRESENT CONTINUOUS
WITH A FUTURE MEANING - 2
b) The time is nearly always given and is
usually in the immediate future:
- He is playing in the concert tonight.
- We are meeting him after the performance.

3. PRESENT CONTINUOUS
WITH A FUTURE MEANING - 3
c) It is also possible to use going to + infinitive in
these sentences:
- What are you going to do tomorrow evening?
- Tom is going to play tennis on Monday afternoon.
d) Do not use will to talk about what you have
arranged to do:
- What are you doing this evening? (not 'what will
you do').
- Alex is getting married next month. (not 'Alex will
get').

4. PRESENT CONTINUOUS
WITH A FUTURE MEANING - 4
e) This method of expressing the future cannot be used
with verbs which are not normally used in the
continuous tenses. These verbs should be put into the
future tense (shall/will):
- I'm meeting him tonight.
But - I shall know tonight.
- They will be there tomorrow.
i) To see, however, can be used in this tense with a
future meaning:
- I am seeing him tomorrow (= I have an appointment
with him, 'I am meeting him tomorrow').
ii) To be can be used when it forms part of a passive
verb:
- Our new piano is being delivered this afternoon.

5. THE SIMPLE PRESENT
WITH A FUTURE MEANING
a) We use the present simple when we are talking about
time-tables, programmes, etc. (for example, for public
transport, cinemas):
- What time does the film begin?
- The train leaves Plymouth at 10.30 and arrives in London at
13.45.
- The football match starts at 8 o'clock.
- Tomorrow is Wednesday.
b) But we do not normally use the present simple for
personal arrangements:
- What time are you meeting Ann? (not 'do you meet').