Present continuous for future arrangements

The present continuous for future arrangements is very common with verbs of travelling and when we are meeting people.

• I’ m leaving very early tomorrow. I’ m taking the 7.30 train.
• I’ m playing golf with Jack next Saturday. Would you like to come?
• I’ m seeing the dentist after class.

Present continuous vs be going to

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We can normally use the present continuous or be going to to talk about future plans.

• I’ m leaving very early tomorrow.
• I’ m going to leave very early tomorrow.

But we prefer using the present continuous when we have made arrangements (i.e. decided on a place and time with somebody else). When use be going to, we put the emphasis on our intention to do something.

• I’ m going to study for the exams tomorrow. (=It’s my intention)
• I’ m leaving at 8 tomorrow. (=It’s an arrangement)
• ‘Your car is dirty.’ ‘I know. I’ m going to wash it tomorrow.’ (=It’s my intention, but I haven’t arranged to do it)

Will for decisions

Use will for decisions that you take at the moment of speaking (instant decisions).

• ‘Oh, we don’t have sugar.’ ‘Don’t worry, I’ ll buy some.’

Be going to or will for predictions

We use be going to or will (NOT the present continuous) to make predictions about the future. (⇒ See Grammar points » A2 Grammar » Will vs be going to – Future)

• I think he’ ll win the election.
• The doctor said I’ m going to have a girl.

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