Present continuous for arrangements
Talk about fixed arrangements with a time and place — I’m meeting Sara at six — and timetables with the present simple.
In this lesson you will
- Use the present continuous for arrangements
- Use the present simple for timetables
- Ask about someone’s plans
Learn
Use the present continuous for arrangements — plans with a fixed time or place, often with other people: I’m meeting Sara at six. We’re flying to Rome on Friday.
Use the present simple for timetables and schedules: The train leaves at 8:15. The course starts on Monday.
Ask about plans: What are you doing this weekend? Are you doing anything tonight?
Arrangements vs intentions: I’m seeing the dentist at 3 (booked) vs I’m going to see a dentist soon (intention).
Examples
- What are you doing on Saturday? — I’m playing football with friends.
- We’re having a party next Friday.
- My flight lands at 22:40.
- The shop opens at nine tomorrow.
Vocabulary
arrangement
a plan agreed with other people
appointment
a fixed time to see someone
land
arrive on the ground (plane)
take off
leave the ground (plane)
schedule
a plan of times
Practice
I ___ my boss at 10 tomorrow. It’s in my calendar.
Speaking
Describe your diary for next week: say at least five arrangements with times and places.
Writing
Write an email to a friend suggesting a time to meet, mentioning your arrangements this week (50–70 words).
Lesson quiz
My train ___ at 6:05 tomorrow.
Review
Key points
- Arrangements → present continuous.
- Timetables → present simple.
- What are you doing…? to ask about plans.
What you learned
- ✓ I can talk about arrangements.
- ✓ I can talk about timetables.
- ✓ I can ask about plans.
Grammar reference: Future forms: will, going to, present continuous, Present continuous