The use of "plan" to talk about the future

[Rachel Adams]

Hello.

This exercise is from my textbook. Are all of these correct in the right context? I am asking about the fifth sentence. It asks to correct the mistake. I changed it into "I am planning on applying." But if I say "I plan to apply." "I am planning to apply." "I plan on applying." They would be correct too, I think. If "I am planning" suggests arrangement in this context, can I use the simple present in such a sentence? I have asked about the difference between the simple present and progressive, but this situation is a little different.

 

[Charlie Bernstein]

Hello.

This exercise is from my textbook. Are all of these correct in the right context?

They are all wrong in any context. That's why the instructions say to correct them.

I am asking about the fifth sentence. It asks to correct the mistake. I changed it into "I am planning on applying." But if I say "I plan to apply," "I am planning to apply," or "I plan on applying," they would be correct too, I think.

Yes, they would.

If "I am planning" suggests arrangement in this context,

I don't know what you mean by "arrangement."

can I use the simple present in such a sentence?

Yes.

I have asked about the difference between the simple present and progressive, but this situation is a little different.

They usually are.

 

[GoesStation]

I'm guessing the instructions tell you to correct the sentences by adding or changing just one word. If so, adding "to" is what the author is looking for.

 

[emsr2d2]

I thought that too initially, but although it works for sentences 1-3, it doesn't work for 4 or 6.

 

[Rachel Adams]

I thought that too initially, but although it works for sentences 1-3, it doesn't work for 4 or 6.

Sorry, what works for sentences 1-3? In what situation would a native speaker say "I plan on applying"? I can understand "I am planning(future arrangements) but not "I plan on applying".

 

[Charlie Bernstein]

Sorry, what works for sentences 1-3? In what situation would a native speaker say "I plan on applying"? I can understand "I am planning(future arrangements) but not "I plan on applying".

You: "Have you heard the restaurant is hiring again?"
Me: "Yes. I plan on applying."

You: "They say Oxford is a good university."
Me: "Yes, they do. That's why I plan on applying."

 

[Rachel Adams]

You: "Have you heard the restaurant is hiring again?"
Me: "Yes. I plan on applying."

You: "They say Oxford is a good university."
Me: "Yes, they do. That's why I plan on applying."

Oh, so even the present simple is used to talk about the future.:shock:

 

[Charlie Bernstein]

Oh, so even the present simple is used to talk about the future.:shock:

I now plan on applying. I will apply in the future.

(Cross-post.)

 

[Rachel Adams]

Frequently.

However, in 'I plan to apply/on applying', the planning is not future. it's the applying that is in the future, just as it is in 'I want/hope/intend/etc to apply'.

I see. Regarding "hope" and "I am hoping", "I plan" "I am planning" the progressive shows limited duration which was previously discussed. Can I use "expect" and "intend" in the same way? "I expect" and "I am expecting", "I intend", and "I am intending" just like "I hope" and "I am hoping"?

 

[Charlie Bernstein]

In terms of duration, I don't see a difference between "I plan" and I'm planning." Both state your present plans. Either way, your plans might change.

But yes, you can use those other words the same way.

 

[tzfujimino]

Frequently.

However, in 'I plan to apply/on applying', the planning is not future. it's the applying that is in the future, just as it is in 'I want/hope/intend/etc to apply'.

How would you explain the use of the verb "plan" in the present simple to ESL students if you were teaching them in a classroom? It's not used to express 'habitual actions' or 'something that is always true', is it?

https://www.usingenglish.com/glossary/present-simple.html

 

[Rachel Adams]

How would you explain the use of the verb "plan" in the present simple to ESL students if you were teaching them in a classroom? It's not used to express 'habitual actions' or 'something that is always true', is it?

https://www.usingenglish.com/glossary/present-simple.html

It is not. It's just a plan in the present simple.

 

[tzfujimino]

It is not. It's just a plan in the present simple.

I agree.

 

[Charlie Bernstein]

. . . I have for years found it more helpful to suggest that you don't need reasons to use the present simple. You use it unless you have a reason to use another tense or aspect.

That sounds right. It's the default tense.

 

[emsr2d2]

Sorry, what works for sentences 1-3?

Just changing one word works in sentences 1-3.