The document explains the use of present tenses when discussing future events, primarily focusing on present simple and present continuous tenses. Present simple is used for official timetables, fixed dates, and certain subordinate clauses, while present continuous denotes personal plans or arrangements. Additionally, it highlights the relationship between tense and time in conditional and defining relative clauses.

1. T alking about the F uture using P resent T enses

2. T alking about the F uture using P resent T enses W hen you are talking about something in the future which is based on an official timetable or calender, you use the present simple tense. You usually put a time adverbial in these sentences. The train leaves Euston at 11.30 . The UN General Assembly opens in New York this month .

3. T alking about the F uture using P resent T enses I n statements about fixed dates, you normally use the present simple. Tomorrow is Tuesday. It ’s my birthday next month. Monday is the seventeenth of July.

4. T alking about the F uture using P resent T enses W hen you want to talk about people’s plans or arrangements for the future you use the present continuous tense. I ’m meeting Bill next week. They ’re getting married in June.

5. T alking about the F uture using P resent T enses Y ou often talk about the future using the present tense of verbs such as ‘hope’, ‘expect’, ‘intend’, and ‘want’ with a ‘to’-infinitive clause, especially when you want to indicate your uncertainty about what will actually happen. We hope to see you soon. Bill expects to be back at work tomorrow.

6. T alking about the F uture using P resent T enses A fter the verb ‘hope’, you often use the present simple to refer to the future. I hope you enjoy your holiday.

7. T alking about the F uture using P resent T enses I n subordinate clauses, the relationship between tense and time are different. In ‘if’-clauses and time clauses, you normally use the present simple for future reference. If he comes , I’ll let you know. Please start when you are ready. We won’t start until everyone arrives .

8. T alking about the F uture using P resent T enses I n subordinate clauses, the relationship between tense and time are different. In ‘if’-clauses and time clauses, you normally use the present simple for future reference. If he comes , I’ll let you know. Please start when you are ready. We won’t start until everyone arrives .

9. T alking about the F uture using P resent T enses I n defining relative clauses, you normally use the present simple, not ‘will’ to refer to the future. Any decision that you make will need her approval. Give my love to any friends you meet . There’s a silver cup for the runner who finishes first .

10. T alking about the F uture using P resent T enses I f you want to show that a condition has to be the case before an action can be carried out, you use the present perfect for future events. We won’t start until everyone has arrived . I’ll let you know when I have arranged everything.

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