Present tenses for the future

Present Simple, Present Continuous,

be going to

​Future plans and arrangements

We use either the present continuous or going to to talk about future plans or arrangements.

going to

• to describe something we intend to do but haven't made all the arrangements yet

I am going to apply for that job.

• to say that we plan to do something in the immediate future

I am going to make a cup of coffee. Would you like a cup?

• to make predictions based on something we can see now or that everyone knows

With all the problems in the company, the merger is going to be difficult.

the present continuous

• to describe something we have already made arrangements to do

I am meeting the new manager next week.

• to explain why we can't do something in the future

I am afraid I can't join the meeting. I'm having an interview with a client.

the present simple

• to describe a future event on a timetable or a fixed schedule

The meeting starts at 9 am.

• to talk about future events after when, as soon as, before, after, once, until

I won't come to the office until the negotiations are over.

Multiple Choice

I was thinking about changing my job. I ____ myself as a web designer.

• am going to try

• am trying

• try

Multiple Choice

We need to attract more customers so we ____ more on advertising.

• spend

• are spending

• are going to spend

Multiple Select

What ____ after work? Would you like to go out somewhere?

• do you do

• are you doing

• are going to do

Multiple Choice

With the current recession it ____ a difficult year for everyone.

• is

• is being

• is going to be

Multiple Choice

No need to send a car for me, John ____ me at the airport.

• meets

• is meeting

• is going to meet

Multiple Choice

The boss isn't here yet. But I will let you know as soon as he ____.

• arrives

• is arriving

• is going to arrive

Multiple Choice

I've checked the programme, the next speaker ____ in 15 minutes.

• presents

• is presenting

• is going to present

Multiple Choice

I ____ to the Head of the Division next week but we haven't arranged the time yet.

• speak

• am speaking

• am going to speak

Multiple Choice

How ____ to the office tomorrow? Have you ordered a taxi already?

• do you get

• are you getting

• are you going to get