Home › A2 › Grammar › Present continuous for future arrangements
Present continuous for future arrangements
A2 A2 grammar · lesson 6 of 25
You know the present continuous for actions happening now. In this lesson you learn that we also use it for fixed plans in the future, like meetings and appointments.
Rule
We use the present continuous (am / is / are + -ing) for arrangements: future plans with a fixed time and place, often with other people. Usually the arrangement is already in your diary or calendar.
We normally add a future time word, so the listener knows it is not happening now: tonight, tomorrow, on Friday, next week, at 6 o’clock.
| Positive | Negative | Question |
|---|---|---|
| I‘m meeting Anna tomorrow. | I‘m not working on Saturday. | Are you coming tonight? |
| She‘s flying to Rome on Monday. | He isn’t playing this weekend. | Is he leaving soon? |
| We‘re having a party on Friday. | They aren’t coming to dinner. | What are you doing tonight? |
I‘m seeing the dentist at ten o’clock tomorrow.
Omar is starting his new job next Monday.
We‘re having dinner with Mia’s parents on Sunday.
My cousins are arriving at six this evening.
Sorry, I can’t come. I‘m working late tonight.
What are you doing this weekend?
Is Leo coming to the football match?
Now or future?
The time words tell you. I’m playing tennis now is about the present. I’m playing tennis on Friday is about the future.
Present continuous or going to?
Both are often possible for plans. The present continuous is best for arrangements with other people at a fixed time. Going to is better for intentions (ideas in your head): I’m going to read more books this year. We do not use the present continuous for predictions: It’s going to rain, not It’s raining tomorrow.
Common mistakes
✗ I meet my friends tonight.
✓ I‘m meeting my friends tonight.
✗ She flying to Paris tomorrow.
✓ She‘s flying to Paris tomorrow.
✗ What do you do on Saturday evening?
✓ What are you doing on Saturday evening?