The document discusses using the present progressive and simple present tenses to express future meaning in English. It provides examples of using the present progressive to talk about planned future events like appointments or intentions, as well as examples using the simple present to express habitual or scheduled future actions. The summary provides the key uses of these tenses to talk about the future in 3 sentences: The present progressive can be used to talk about planned future events like appointments or intentions, as indicated by future time words or context. The simple present is used to express habitual or regularly occurring future actions. Exercises are provided to practice using these tenses to discuss future plans and arrangements.

1. Using the present progressive and the simple present to express future tense
The
Present Progressive The present progressive may be used to express future
- My wife has an appointment with a doctor. She is time when the idea of the sentence concerns a planned
seeing Dr. North next Tuesday event or definite intention.
(Compare: A verb such as rain is not used in the present
Sam has already made his plans. He is leaving at
progressive to indicate future time because rain is not a
noon tomorrow. planned event.
(1) What are you doing to do this afternoon?
(2) After lunch I am meeting a friend of mine. A future meaning for the present progressive tense is
We are going shopping. Would you like to indicated either by future time words in the sentence or
come along? by the context.
Using the Present Progressive and the Simple Present to express future time.
Directions: Indicate the meaning expressed by the italicized verbs by writing in the future, now, or habitually
in the blanks.
I am taking four courses next semester in the future
I am taking four courses this semester now
Students usually take four courses every semester habitually
I’ll mail this letter at the corner when I take Susan home ___________
My brother’s birthday is next week. I am giving him a sweater ___________
Shhhhhhhhhhh. The broadcaster is giving the latest news about
the crisis in England. I want to hear what she’s saying ___________
When I graduate, I’m going to return home ___________
When students graduate, they receive diplomas ___________
I’m tired. I am going to bed early tonight ___________
When I’m in New York, I’m going to visit the Museum of Modern Art ___________
When I am home alone in the evening, I like to read or watch television ___________
(A) Are you Busy?
(B) Not really
(A) What are you doing? A: __________
(B) I’m writing a letter to my folks B: __________
n. (A) When you finish your letter, do you want to play a game of chess? A: __________
o. (A) what are you doing after work today? A. __________
(B) I’m playing tennis with Brown at the health club and you? B: __________
(A) I’m meeting Smith for a round of golf A: __________
p. Tony will arrive at eight tomorrow evening ____________
q. Tony is going to arrive at eight tomorrow evening ____________
r. Tony is arriving at eight tomorrow evening ____________
Using the Present Progressive to express Future Tense.
Directions: Use the present progressive to complete the sentences. Use any verb that makes sense and coherence.
A: How about going across the street for a cup of coffee?
B: I can’t. I __________________ Jennifer at the library at 5:00.
A: Why are you in such a hurry?
B: I have to be at the airport in an hour. I __________________the 4 o’clock plane to New York. I have an important
meeting there tomorrow.
A: We got an invitation in the mail Ron and Maureen. They _______________ a dinner party next Saturday evening. Do you like
to go? I’d like to.
B: Sure. I always enjoy spending time with them. Let’s call and tell them we_________________________________.
A: Your cough sounds terrible. You should see the doctor.
B: I know. It just won’t go away. I _______________________ Dr. Murray later this afternoon.