Future challenge 1

We can use the present continuous tense in different ways. You're probably aware that we use this tense to talk about something in progress at a particular point in time, for example:

• She is fixing the sink.

• He is watching the telly.

However, we can also use the present continuous to talk about the future. That's right the present continuous can refer to future arrangements.

One of the things I’ve observed from my students is a tendency to overuse the word ‘will’ when talking about the future and a reluctance to use the present continuous. It’s true that we often use ‘will’ to talk about the future, particularly in its contracted form such as I’ll or we’ll. However sometimes ‘will’ just doesn’t sound right. When you are talking about a fixed arrangement, the present continuous often sounds better.

If you’d like to sound more natural, I have a challenge for you. I’d like you to write down ten sentences using the present continuous to talk about the future. You can’t just pick any verb to do this – some verbs are better than others. Verbs such as meet, play, watch and cook are good examples of verbs that are used in the present continuous form to talk about the future.

How do we form the present continuous?

We use the auxiliary verb be together with the main verb in the present participle form as follows:

be + verb+ 'ing

He is feeding the lions.

They are queuing up outside the venue.

The challenge

Now it's your turn to do a bit of thinking.

Take a few minutes and write ten sentences using the present continuous to talk about the future. Think about arrangements you have that are fairly fixed, such as holidays you’ve booked, meet ups with friends that are in your diary, medical appointments or games of tennis.

When you have done this, continue reading this post to see my ten sentences.

You can read more of my grammar posts here or better, still sign up for lessons.

Suggested answers

Here are ten sentences I came up with in answer to the challenge. Are they similar to yours?

• I’m working from home on Thursday.

• She’s taking her driving test next week.

• Sorry I can't come to the cinema on Friday, I’m meeting Suzanne then.

• I’m playing tennis on Wednesday.

• She’s having an operation next week.

• I’m switching providers next week.

• They are giving a presentation later today.

• He’s watching the match tonight – there’s no way he’ll want to go out.

• I’m cooking curry tonight. Do you want some?

• I'm afraid we can't come to your concert, we’re going to England in February.