English Grammar: Lesson 3-Talk About Future Arrangements

Talk About Future Arrangements Using the Present Continuous

The past is always tense, the future perfect.

~Zadie Smith, author

We are continuing with are FUTURE series today.

At the end of this lesson, you will be able to talk about future arrangements in English using the Present Continuous Tense or BE+-ing.

Remember to:

  • Take notes
  • Read sentences aloud
  • Use the dictionary to look up words that you do not know.
  • Check previous lessons on this topic to complete your knowledge.

Ready? Let’s start with today’s challenge!

Definition of ‘Arrangement

  • A plan or preparation for something that is going to happen in the future.
  • An agreement or plan made with one person or a group.

We use The Present Continuous or Be+-ing in order to talk about future arrangements.

English Grammar (Talk About Future Arrangements) _The Present Continuous Tense_Be+-Ing) Learn English With Africa_September 2019

Let’s look at a few examples:

At Work

  • I‘m not working tomorrow..
  • I am meeting him at half past three this afternoon. (This is a personal arrangement. It is not a timetable or an official programme. In that case we would use the Simple Present.)
  • We are going to the cinema tonight. (We use BE GOING TO… to talk about intentions — We are going to go to the cinema tonight.
  • Im leaving for the conference in two days’ time.
  • I‘m being promoted this month!

At School

  • I am going to the museum on Friday with my class.
  • I am not studying Shakespeare this year.
  • We are starting a new course next week.
  • I am staying at home this afternoon.
  • We are seeing the career counsellor on Thursday.

In other Areas

  • My friends are coming tonight. I can’t wait to see them!
  • I am visiting him this afternoon.
  • I‘m getting married in July.
  • I am going to a concert tomorrow evening.
  • We are flying to Lagos on Saturday.

YOUR TURN: Find at least two examples for each situation. Enjoy yourself!

Here is more help:

English Grammar_The Present Continuous Tense(1)_Be+-ing_ (Talk About Future Arrangements) Learn English With Africa, September 2019

Our tragedies are as fleeting as our smiles. Our futures not etched in stone, but drawn in sand.

~J. Andrew Shrecker, author

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