present simple and present continuos for future

[sardar]

could you pls explain to me how and when present simple and continous are used and whats the difference between them

Originally Posted by sardar

could you pls explain to me how and when present simple and continous are used and whats the difference between them

The Present Continuous and Present Simple Tenses


We use the Present Continuous tense to speak about things which are happening now or things which are temporary.

I am not working now. I am on holiday.
Sally is listening to a new CD.
Who are you phoning?


The Present Simple tense describes usual, repeated and permanent things - for example, always, usually, often, sometimes, never.

I work as an accountant.
John doesn't know German.
How often do you play tennis?


Compare how these two tenses are used.

Why are you walking to work? Don't you usually go by bus?
I live in Kharkiv, but now I am living in Moscow.
Usually we have dinner at 7, but today we are having it at 9.


Some verbs are not normally used in the Continuous Tense. They are called "state" verbs.

Present Continuous and Present Simple to talk about the future.


We use the Present Continuous Tense for plans and arrangements.

What are you doing tonight?
I'm seeing a very important customer in my office at 4 o'clock.
We are going to the see for our holiday.
Where are you staying in Vienna?
I'm not going anywhere. It is final.


We use the Present Simple in the conditional clauses after if, when, as soon as, until etc, and when we talk about timetable, schedules, itineraries etc.

What will you do if you fail your exam?
We will wait, until she comes.

My plane takes off at 9.00.
The President arrives in Norway on 17 September.
What time does your train leave?

See also :http://web2.uvcs.uvic.ca/elc/studyzo...ammar/4fut.htm
http://www.english-grammar-lessons.c...nuous/menu.php
All the best,

[sardar]

thank you sheena. but always there is confusion between the use of the two when future is meant . i want a to get to the core of the difference

You are welcome ,Sardar.

Let me help you some other way.

1. Use "going to" to refer to future events for which we have present evidence. "Going to" suggests great determination [ intention]
e.g. They are going to become doctors
future plans .
e.g:When are you going? On Sunday.
I am meeting the chairman tomorrow.

2. the present simple is often used in connection with travel or other activities that involve a schedule :
e.g : The plane to Los Angeles leaves at 15:00 and arrives at 18:15

An infinitive can also be used to talk about definite arrangements ; it makes arrangements sound official :
e.g: You are to be here at 9:00.
We are to see Mr. Lewis at his office tomorrow.

Note!! [There are some restrictions in the choice]

a] We do not use present continuous to make predictions nor to make promises [however, this is acceptable in AE]

b] It is not possible to announce spontaneous decisions using "going to / the present continuous/ the present simple the first 2 are acceptable in AE]. Instead, you should "will".


Further observations: The choice of the future form is not always easy. Sometimes it`s possible to use more than one - at other times only one is possible.

The company will be 50 years old next month[ future fact]
The company is 50 years old next month [ absolutely definite]
We are going to establish a joint venture in Paris [intention]
We are establishing a joint venture in Paris[ plan]
We are going to become the world`s leading software developer[ intention]
We ill become the world`s......[ promise or possible future fact]


I hope it will help you.

All the best,