Grammar Notes - Present Continuous Future
Present Continuous
Point 1: We often use the present continuous for plans we do not expect to change.
- I am meeting my dad tonight.
- I am working tomorrow.
- I'm not doing anything tonight.
- I'm not leaving until Monday.
Point 2: We often use the present continuous when someone else is aware of your plans, meaning it is scheduled.
- I'm meeting Sue tomorrow.
- My mother is coming over tonight.
- She's not arriving until Sunday.
- The meeting is starting soon.
Point 3: If the plans involve just one person, we usually use going to + verb instead.
- I am not working tomorrow. (Other people expect it)
- I am going to stay home and study.
- Bob is not coming to the party. (Other people expect it)
- He is going to skip the party this time.
Point 4: Going to and the present perfect are very close in meaning. You can usually use going to instead of the present continuous the meaning stays the same.
- I am meeting my friend for lunch.
- I am going to meet my friend for lunch.
- I am leaving for Spain on Monday.
- I am going to leave for Spain on Monday.
Point 5: The difference between will, going to and the present continuous depends on how much people know in advance.
- I will meet you tomorrow. (I just thought to do this)
- I am going to meet you tomorrow. (I already thought of it)
- I'm meeting you tomorrow. (It's scheduled. Other people know about it)