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Alex RO
#69012 Fri, 21 Jan 05 10:38 AM
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In grammar books says that present simple is also used for future events (fixed arrangements). They also say that present continuous is also used to describe an action or event in the future which has already been planned. For me it sounds almost the same thing.
Which sentence is correct:
1. His mother arrives tomorrow.
2. His mother is arriving tomorrow.
Please explain me when I have to use present simple or present continuous, for future events.
Thanks in advance.
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Joined on
Fri, Jan 21 2005
Romania
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Mister Micawber
#69043 Fri, 21 Jan 05 01:17 PM
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Hi Alex, and welcome to English Forums.
You are right - their use is quite close, and often, as in the case you offer, of identical meaning.
'Present simple' expresses the simple fact, predetermined by whatever authority, so appears more often in cases like 'class starts at 9 a.m. tomorrow' or 'low tide is at 3:15 this afternoon'-- so the idea of future time is often irrelevant: it is often a sort of universal truth.
'Present continuous' connects the assured future with the present, in which the speaker recognizes the inevitable nature of the future event, because of his/her knowledge of the currently existing (and previously laid) plans.
'I watch TV tomorrow' -- this sounds a little weird, because no authority normally ordains my pursuing this pastime.
'I'm watching TV tomorrow' -- this more accurately reflects my plan for the day.
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Joined on
Wed, Aug 4 2004
Yokohama
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'The question is,' said Humpty Dumpty, 'which is to be master-- that's all.'
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