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Simple present for future

Timetables, etc: The summer term starts …​

We can sometimes use the simple present to talk about the future. This is common when we are talking about events which are part of a timetable, a regular schedule or something similar.

  • The summer term starts on April 10th.
  • What time does the bus arrive in Seattle?
  • My plane leaves at three o’clock.
  • The sun rises at 6.13 tomorrow.

Will is also usually possible in these cases.

  • The summer term will start on April 10th.

Subordinate clauses: when she gets a job​

The simple present is often used with a future meaning in subordinate clauses – for example after what, where, when, until, if, than. For details, see here.

  • I’ll tell you what I find out. (not … what I’ll find out.)
  • She’ll pay us back when she gets a job. (not … when she’ll get a job.)
  • Alex will see us tomorrow if he has time. (not … if he will have time.)

Instructions: Where do I pay?​

Occasionally the simple present is used with a future meaning when asking for and giving instructions.

  • Where do I pay?
  • Well, what do we do now?
  • So when you get to London you go straight to Victoria Station, you meet up with the others, Ramona gives you your ticket, and you catch the 17.15 train to Dover. OK?

Other cases​

In other cases, we do not usually use the simple present to talk about the future.

  • Lucy’s coming for a drink this evening. (not Lucy comes …)
  • I promise I’ll call you this evening. (not I promise I call you this evening.)
  • ‘There’s the doorbell.’ ‘I’ll go.’ (not … I go.)