Future: simple present tense

 While the simple present tense is typically used to talk about habits, routines, and general truths, it can also be used to talk about future events that are scheduled or planned. Here are some examples and explanations of when to use the simple present tense to talk about the future:

• The simple present tense can be used to talk about scheduled events in the future.

Example: The train leaves at 8 am tomorrow.

• The simple present tense can also be used to talk about events that are part of a regular routine or schedule.

Example: We have a meeting every Monday at 10 am.

• The simple present tense can also be used to talk about events that are part of a fixed timetable or schedule.

Example: The museum opens at 9 am every day.

• The simple present tense can also be used to talk about future events that are part of a planned schedule or itinerary.

Example: Our flight arrives at 6 pm tomorrow.

Overall, while the simple present tense is not typically used to talk about future events, it can be used in certain contexts to express future plans or arrangements. It is important to use context and tone to convey the appropriate meaning when using the simple present tense to talk about future events.

Here's an exercise where you need to choose the best tense to use to talk about future events:

1. The movie ___________ at 7 pm tonight. (will / is starting)
2. We ___________ to the beach next weekend. (are going / will go)
3. She ___________ the train at 10 am tomorrow. (catches / will catch)
4. They ___________ a party at their house next Saturday. (are having / will have)
5. The concert ___________ on Saturday night. (starts / will start)

Answers:

1. is starting
2. are going
3. will catch
4. are having
5. will start

Explanation: In each of these examples, both "will" and the present progressive tense (i.e., "is starting", "are going", "will catch", "are having", and "will start") could be used to talk about the future. However, the present progressive tense is often more appropriate for scheduled or planned events, while "will" is typically used for future events that are not planned or arranged. In some cases, either tense could be used, and the choice between them may depend on the speaker's preference or the specific context of the sentence.