Skip to main content

Present progressive for future

Present reality: I’m washing my hair this evening.​

We use the present progressive for future actions and events that have some present reality. It is most common in discussions of personal arrangements and fixed plans, when the time and place have been decided.

  • ‘What are you doing this evening?’ ‘I’m washing my hair.’
  • I’m seeing Larry on Saturday.
  • Did you know I’m getting a new job?
  • We’re touring Mexico next summer.
  • What are we having for dinner?
  • My car’s going in for repairs next week.

We often use the present progressive with verbs of movement, to talk about actions which are just starting.

  • Are you coming to the pub?
  • I’m just going next door. Back in a minute.
  • Get your coat on! I’m taking you down to the doctor!

Note that the simple present is not often used to talk about the future (but (see here).

  • What are you doing this evening? (not What do you do this evening?)

Present progressive and going to …: differences​

In many cases, both structures can be used to express the same idea.

  • I’m washing / going to wash my hair this evening.

But there are some differences. For example, we prefer going to … when we are talking not about fixed arrangements, but about intentions and decisions. Compare:

  • I’m seeing Jake tonight. (emphasis on arrangement)
    I’m really going to tell him what I think of him. (emphasis on intention: not I’m really telling him …)
  • Who’s cooking lunch? (asking what has been arranged)
    Who’s going to cook lunch? (asking for a decision)

Because the present progressive is used especially for personal arrangements, it is not generally used to make predictions about events that are outside people’s control.

  • It’s going to snow before long. (not It’s snowing before long.)
  • I can see that things are going to get better soon. (not … things are getting better soon.)

And the present progressive is used for actions and events, but not usually for permanent states. Compare:

  • Our house is getting / is going to get new windows this winter.
  • Their new house is going to look over the river. (not Their new house is looking over the river.)

Commands and refusals​

The present progressive can be used to insist that people do things or do not do things.

  • She’s taking that medicine whether she likes it or not!
  • You’re not wearing that skirt to school.

The present progressive is common in emphatic refusals.

  • I’m sorry – you’re not taking my car.
  • I’m not washing your socks – forget it!
note

For a comparison with will, (see here).