[Grammar] What time do you get off work today?

Status
Not open for further replies.

kadioguy

Key Member
Joined
Mar 4, 2017
Member Type
Student or Learner
Native Language
Chinese
Home Country
Taiwan
Current Location
Taiwan
(In a question of the TOEIC listening test)

What time do you get off work today?
------

1. The present simple is used; what does that mean?

2. How about What time will you get off work today?

I think the present simple expresses the action happens on a regular basis; however, "today" indicates a specific date. Is there a contradiction between them?
------
(Update)

Can the following apply to my question?

(Quoted from the Practical English Usage 3rd ed.)

215.1

timetables etc: The summer term starts ...

We can sometimes use the simple present to talk about the future. This is common when we are talking about events which are part of a timetable, a regular schedule or something similar.

The summer term starts on April 10th.
What time does the bus arrive in Seattle?
My plane leaves at three o'clock.
Are you on duty next weekend?
The sun rises at 6.13 tomorrow.


Will is also usually possible in these cases.
------
(Source)

Note: this photo is from the answer.

vIQA8M3.jpg
 
Last edited:

jutfrank

VIP Member
Joined
Mar 5, 2014
Member Type
English Teacher
Native Language
English
Home Country
England
Current Location
England
Yes, this is the 'timetable' use. The person asking the question knows that the addressee has fixed hours of work, and this is what the asker is really asking about.
 

Tdol

No Longer With Us (RIP)
Staff member
Joined
Nov 13, 2002
Native Language
British English
Home Country
UK
Current Location
Japan
You could use do you get simply for this day, though.
 

kadioguy

Key Member
Joined
Mar 4, 2017
Member Type
Student or Learner
Native Language
Chinese
Home Country
Taiwan
Current Location
Taiwan
You could use do you get simply for this day, though.
Do you mean I could use "do you get" instead of "What time do you get off work today"?
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Top