FUTURE PLANS AND ARRANGEMENTS

COMMON TENSESPRESENT CONTINUOUS: for arrangements (fixed plans):

Ex.: I’m having lunch with David Beckham tonight.BE GOING TO: emphasizes the intention, arrangements may

or may not have been made:Ex.: We are going to marry

FUTURE CONTINUOUS: A) for arrangements, it will happen whether we have arranged it or not.

Ex.: I’ll be seeing David Beckham at the wedding.B) in polite enquiries about arrangements:

Ex.: Will you be coming with us?PRESENT SIMPLE: in timetables or regular schedules.

Ex.: The trains leaves at 9:00.

OTHER EXPRESSIONSDUE TO: something is expected or arranged:

Ex: The guests are due to arrive at 9. Ex.: The next train is due in ten minutes.

BE ABOUT TO, BE ON THE VERGE OF, BE ON THE POINT OF: something is going to happen very soon.Ex.: The film is about to start.Ex.: The Spanish president is on the point of resigning. (more formal)Ex.: Women on the verge of a nervous breakdown.

BE+TO+INFINITIVE: formal for official plans and arrangements.Ex.: The Spanish president is to talk to the Pope next week.