THE GRAMMAR PAGE
Future plans
ADRIAN DOFF presents and explains this key
point of grammar with notes on a short dialogue.MEDIUM PLUSExplanations
- The present continuous is
used to talk about definite
arrangements for the
future. So this question
means: “What have you ar-
ranged for the weekend?” - Magda answers using the
present continuous —
in other words, this has
already been arranged. - Going to is used for future
plans. It means: “We’ve
decided to...” - These are further exam-
ples of the present contin-
uous — things that Magda
has already arranged.
5. To talk about future plans,
planning to can be used
instead of “going to”.
6. Here, Magda says: we’re
thinking of + -ing... This is
a possible future plan, but
it’s less certain.
7. Will can be used for things
that aren’t planned. Euan
hasn’t decided yet. He’s
just thinking about his
options.
8. I might means “maybe I
will”. Euan could also say:
“I may just stay at home”
or “Maybe I’ll just stay at
home.”
Dialogue
Magda is telling a colleague at work about her plans for
the weekend.Euan: What are you doing^1 at the weekend?
Magda: Er, let me see... Well, some friends are coming^2
over on Saturday, so I’m going to get up^3 really
early and start preparing food. Then, after lunch,
we’re going to go^3 cycling. And in the evening,
we’re going^4 to a concert. I’ve already booked
tickets...
Euan: That sounds great!
Magda: ...Then, on Sunday morning, I’m going^4 to
my yoga class. That’s at nine o’clock. Then,
I’m taking^4 my son to a birthday party, and
I’m meeting^4 some friends for coffee. We’re
planning to go^5 into town together in the
afternoon — we’re thinking of seeing^6 the new
exhibition at the City Art Gallery.
Euan: Do you always do so much at the weekend?
Magda: Usually, yes. Why, what are you doing?
Euan: I don’t know. I’ll^7 probably just relax. Maybe I’ll^7
go for a walk, or I might^8 just stay at home. I’ll
see what the weather is like.Remember!
To talk about future plans:- use the present continuous tense for things that have al-
ready been arranged or are fixed:
⋅ I’m going to the dentist on Thursday. - use be going to for definite plans (something you’ve decided
to do):
⋅ I’m going to have a hot shower when I get home. - use be planning to and be thinking of + -ing for plans that are
less certain:
⋅ I’m planning to study abroad next year.
⋅ I’m thinking of giving up my job. - use will or may / might for things you haven’t definitely
planned (they’re just possibilities):
⋅ I’ll probably go shopping tomorrow.
⋅ I may see you later.
Beyond the basics
You can also use I’ll when you decide to do something (at the
moment you make the decision). I’ll is often used with maybe,
perhaps or I think:
⋅ I feel quite tired. Maybe I’ll lie down for a bit.
⋅ I’m thirsty. I think I’ll have a beer.
For something you’ve already decided, use going to, not “I’ll”:
⋅ I’m going to get up early tomorrow. (not: I’ll get up early
tomorrow.)50 Spotlight 1/2020 THE GRAMMAR PAGE
Are you going to practise what
you’ve learned on this page?
You’ll find corresponding exercises
in Spotlight plus:
spotlight-online.de/
spotlight-plus