Present Continuous Tense for Future (VII/VII grade)

How we use Present Continuous Tense
 for The Future

We use the present continuous tense to talk about the future when an action or situation is part of a:  

• plan
• an arrangement
• intention.

Sentences with this use of the present continuous always have words or phrases which refer to future time or the context leaves it very clear:

• Mary’s studying in the library. (now)
  She’s studying at Bethan’s house this evening. (future)
• Stan’s arriving. (now) He’s just called from the airport
  He’s arriving tomorrow morning about 7.30 (future)
• We’re driving to Manchester. (now)
  We’re driving to Glasgow next week. (future)
• We’re doing a physics exam. (now)
  We’re doing a History exam in two days. (future)
• They’re swimming in the pool. (now)
  They’re swimming across the bay tomorrow. (future) 
  For future actions or situations using the present continuous, all the common future time words and phrases can be used:
  
• this afternoon
• tonight
• tomorrow
• tomorrow morning / afternoon/ evening / night, etc.
• next week / month/ December / year, etc.
• the day after tomorrow
• the week / month / year, etc. after next
• in ___ hours / days / weeks / months, etc.
• ___ hours / days / weeks / months, etc. from now
• in  2020 (or other year)
• on Christmas day / November 24^th  (future date)  Exercises to practise