Present continuous or present simple for the future

We can use the present simple and the present continuous to talk about the future.

We usually use the present continuous for things we have planned and that we are fairly certain will

happen.

• I'm meeting Julia later.

• She is arriving this afternoon.

We usually use the present simple for future timetables from some kind of business or organisation. It
might be a train, bus or plane timetable, or a school or event timetable. It's usually not something that
you can change.

• The class starts at nine.

• Our plane leaves tonight.

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 Let's review!

Do we need the present simple or present continuous? Make sentences.

1. The gym ______________________________ (open) at 5 am.

2. We ______________________________ (play) tennis later.

3. The class ______________________________ (finish) at 3 pm.

4. The train ______________________________ (leave) very early.

5. She ______________________________ (go) to the theatre tonight.

6. The shop ______________________________ (close) at 6 pm.

7. I ______________________________ (have) dinner with James this evening.

8. Lucy ______________________________ (stay) with us at the weekend.

9. The first workshop ______________________________ (start) at 10:30.

10. We ______________________________ (see) each other tomorrow.

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 Answers

1. The gym opens at 5 am.

2. We are playing tennis later.
3. The class finishes at 3 pm.
4. The train leaves very early.
5. She is going to the theatre tonight.
6. The shop closes at 6 pm.
7. I'm having dinner with James this evening.
8. Lucy is staying with us at the weekend.
9. The first workshop starts at 10:30.
10. We are seeing each other tomorrow.

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May be freely copied for personal or classroom use.