Simple Present for future events
SIMPLE PRESENT FOR FUTURE EVENTS
Simple Present for Future Events: Form
- See Simple Present section
Simple Present for Future Events: Function
The simple present is used to make statements about events at a time later than now, when the statements are based on present facts, and when these facts are something fixed like a time-table, schedule, calendar.
- The plane arrives at 18.00 tomorrow.
- She has a yoga class tomorrow morning.
- The restaurant opens at 19.30 tonight.
- Next Thursday at 14.00 there is an English exam.
Note the difference between:
- The plane leaves in ten minutes (= statement of fact)
- The plane’s going to leave in ten minutes (= prediction based on present situation, meaning “…and if you don’t hurry up you’re going to miss it!”)