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"I do" with a future meaning

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The present simple tense can be used to talk about the future and is often used to refer to fixed schedules in the future. Here, although context clues are helpful, it is not always needed.

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1.   To express facts that are in the future.

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• "My birthday falls on a Tuesday later this month."​

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2.   When a person has a fixed arrangement. 

 

• "What time is your meeting tomorrow?"

  • "It's at 2pm."

 

 

3.   Refer to schedules that are in the future - like public transportation timetables or movie times.

 

• "What time does the movie start?"

  • "It starts at 8pm."

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"I'm doing" with a future meaning

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The present continuous tense can be used to talk about the future and is often used to refer to arranged plans in the future. Context clues are always helpful here.

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1.   When you have already decided and arranged to do something.

 

Future:

• "What are you doing on Saturday?"

  • "I'm playing football."

 

Present:

• "I'm playing football" 

This implies it is happening now. 

 

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You can also use "going to" to express the same thing. Typically, "going to" is used after a decision is made but not arranged yet. However the differences here are quite subtle. 

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• "What are you going to do on Saturday?"

• "I'm going to play football."

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2.   Just before the activity starts.

 

• "I'm ready now. Are you coming?"

• "Yes, I'm coming."

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3.   To talk about personal arrangements.

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Although the present simple can be used here, the present continuous is preferred.

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• "What time are you meeting Ben tomorrow?"

• "What time do you meet Ben tomorrow?"

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• "I'm meeting him for lunch."

Not - "I meet him for lunch."

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See also:​

• Future: Going to

• Future: Will

• Future: Will or Going to

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