Grammar Talks 4-09 Present Simple for Future Tense

Plans for the Weekend

Two people discuss their plans for Saturday and Sunday.
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Todd: So, Sarah, what are your plans for the weekend?

Sarah: I have really fun plans this weekend. On Saturday I'm meeting some friends, and we're going to hike up a nearby mountain. It's called Mount Tsurumi, and I think it'll be really fun.

Todd: Oh, cool. How are you getting up the mountain? How are you getting up to the hiking point?

Sarah: We're going to take the bus probably. So we'll take a bus until the base of the mountain, and then we can hike to the top. We'll hike about four or five hours, depending on how much time I spend resting, which is a lot.

Todd: So, who is going with you?

Sarah: I'm meeting three friends, and they're all English teachers like me. My friend's names are Hannah, Ben, and Michael.

Todd: Oh, nice. I'm sorry, where are you hiking again?

Sarah: We're hiking at the mountain called Mount Tsurumi. It's pretty close to my house, it's not far. So, I can see it from my window, my bedroom window, and I always think, "Oh, I would love to go to the top of that mountain." I'm really happy on Saturday to go and hike the mountain. Then, after we reach the top, we take the cable car down the mountain.

Todd: Oh, I see. So you're hiking up the mountain, and then you're taking the cable car down?

Sarah: Yes. It'll probably be six hours in total between hiking, and resting, and cable car back down.

Todd: Oh, wow. What time are you starting?

Sarah: We're starting at 10 O'Clock. We're starting at 10 O'Clock so that we can finish at 4 O'Clock and I can still get my children from school. Their school finishes at 5 O'Clock.

Todd: Oh, wow. So you're really pushing it.

Sarah: Yeah. The timing will be tight, but I think it'll be okay.

Todd: Cool.

Sarah: How about you Todd, what are you doing on Saturday?

Todd: This weekend I'm not really doing anything. I think I'm just going to stay home, so I'm leaving for Thailand on Thursday. I'm flying out of [inaudible 00:02:19].

Sarah: That sounds really nice.

Todd: Yeah. But actually now that I think of it, I am doing something on Saturday. My friend is having a dinner party, so I'm planning on attending that. That should be fun.

Sarah: Oh, that sounds fun. What time does it start?

Todd: I think it starts at about 8. So, most people will probably be there around 8 O'Clock. I'm not planning on staying that long, so I'm just going to go and make a short appearance and then come back.

Todd: Now, we are teachers, so we have grading to do. Are you doing any work this weekend, are you grading any papers?

Sarah: Yes. I'm grading some papers. My students are handing in their papers tomorrow, and then I'm grading them all day Sunday.

Todd: Yikes.

Sarah: Yeah, so it won't be exciting, but I think if I work hard, I should be able to finish them.

Todd: Yeah, I'm in the same boat actually, I have lots of papers to grade. And I want them finished, so I think I will do it on Friday night. I'm planning on staying late Friday and just doing it then.

Sarah: Okay.

Todd: I'm not looking forward to it.

Sarah: So you'll be grading all night on Friday?

Todd: I'll be grading all night on Friday, I won't be doing anything fun. But, I'll be leaving on Sunday, so it'll be worth it.

Sarah: Okay, have fun, have a good trip.

Todd: You too, enjoy the hike.

Sarah: Thanks.

Present Continuous - Future

Point 1: The present continuous can be used for plans in the future.
  1. What are you doing tomorrow?
  2. I am meeting my friend this wekkend.
  3. I am not working next week.
  4. Are you coming to the party tonight?
Point 2: We use the present continous for actions that usually involve other people, or for actions that affect other people.
  1. Tonight I am taking my mom to the mall.
  2. She is not going to the game.
  3. We are all meeting at six.
  4. Call me tomorrow. I'm not doing anything.
Point 3: We usually use going to for intended actions that involve just one person, or that noone else knows about.
  1. I am going to relax tonight.
  2. I think I am going to watch a movie.
  3. I am going to go to bed early though.
  4. I am not going to cook tonight.
Point 4: We use the continuous tense for actions we assume will start and finish within a short period of time.
  1. I am working tomorrow. (start and finish time)
  2. I work every weekend. (ongoing)
  3. I am meeting my mom for lunch. (one time)
  4. I often meet my mom for lunch. (many times)
Answer the following questions about the interview.

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