The present continuous tense (also called present progressive) is usually used to describe actions happening right now (e.g., I am talking).
However, it can also be used to talk about planned or arranged actions in the near future. In this case, the sentence is still formed with be + -ing, but the meaning shifts to "this is already decided or scheduled."
How to Use Present Continuous for Future
The main rule is that the main verb is in the -ing form, and you use the correct form of be for the subject. The sense of the sentence comes from context, time words, or the idea of a fixed plan.
| Subject | Be Verb | Main Verb (-ing) | Example (English) | Example (English) | Example (Korean) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| I | am | meeting | I am meeting a friend tomorrow. | I am meeting a friend tomorrow. | 나는 내일 친구를 만나요. |
| You | are | flying | You are flying to Seoul next week. | You are flying to Seoul next week. | 너는 다음 주에 서울로 비행기를 타요. |
| She | is | getting | She is getting her hair done on Friday. | She is getting her hair done on Friday. | 그녀는 금요일에 머리를 할 거예요. |
Key Characteristics
Planned or Arranged Actions
- The future event is already scheduled or decided.
- Often involves appointments, meetings, travel, or social plans.
Near Future
- Usually refers to something happening soon or in the near future.
- Not used for indefinite future events.
Time Expressions
- Words like tomorrow, next week, on Friday, this evening, in an hour, etc., often appear to indicate a future time.
When NOT to Use Present Continuous for Future
Avoid for Spontaneous Decisions
- If you make a decision at the moment of speaking, use will (e.g., I’ll call you), not present continuous.
Avoid for General Predictions or Long-Term Future
- Use will or going to for general future statements, not present continuous.
Which form is correct for a spontaneous future decision?
I’ll call you.
Spontaneous decisions made at the moment of speaking use 'will' for future.
Other Future Forms for Comparison
| Usage | Example English | Example Korean |
|---|---|---|
| Present Continuous (Future) | I am meeting a friend tomorrow. | 나는 내일 친구를 만나요. |
| Will | I will meet a friend tomorrow. | 나는 내일 친구를 만날 거예요. |
| Going to | I am going to meet a friend tomorrow. | 나는 내일 친구를 만날 거예요. |
Which form would you use for a spontaneous decision?
Will
'Will' is used for decisions made at the moment of speaking.
Present continuous for future is a way to talk about plans and arrangements that are already set. Just use the usual be + -ing form, and add a future time word if needed.
Flashcards (1 of 6)
- Subject: I
- Be Verb: am
- Main Verb (-ing): meeting
- Example (Korean): 나는 내일 친구를 만나요.
- Example (English): I am meeting a friend tomorrow.
Last updated: Wed Jun 18, 2025
