Using Present to Express Future

Using Present to Express Future

by Alea Grace
(Baguio City, Philippines)

Is it grammatically acceptable to use the present form of the verb to express a future action? How is it done?

Thanks in advance.

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Jan 13, 2013
Answer
by: Chelsey

Yes. There are times you will use the present form of a verb to express a future tense.

Here are three ways.

SIMPLE FUTURE TENSE

There are two different forms of the simple future tense.

to be + going to + present form of verb

Examples
1. I am going to visit my mother next week.
2. It is going to snow tonight.
3. Sally is going to write a story about her grandfather.

will + present form of verb

Examples
1. I think Bill's team will win the game tomorrow.
2. I will watch the movie on Saturday.
3. Nick will cook dinner tonight.
4. During winter, the dogs will sleep inside.

SIMPLE PRESENT TENSE

You can also use the simple present tense to talk about something happening in the future if it is happening at a fixed time.

Examples
1. The show starts at 6:30 p.m.
2. The bus arrives at noon.
3. The class begins Monday morning at 8:15 a.m.

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