Future forms
Lesson 3 of 4 · ~9 minutes

Lesson 3 · Future forms

The train leaves at nine

Timetables

The Present Simple about the future is used for timetables and schedules — trains, flights, film times, an event programme. It doesn't work for personal plans.

Present Simple — timetables

  • timetableThe train leaves at nine — that's what the timetable says
  • not a personal planI’m leaving tomorrow — my decision, not a timetable

What

train / plane
cinema / theatre
programme

Example

The train leaves at nine.
The film starts at eight.
The conference begins on Monday.
What
Example
train / plane
The train leaves at nine.
cinema / theatre
The film starts at eight.
programme
The conference begins on Monday.

The train leaves platform four at nine o'clock.

The film starts at eight, so we should leave now.

The shop opens at ten on Sundays.

Our flight leaves at six in the morning.

Where people usually slip

The Present Simple here is for what's in a timetable or schedule, not for personal decisions.

Not I leave tomorrow if it's your own decision, but I’m leaving tomorrow. A personal plan takes the Present Continuous, not the Present Simple.

In short

  • an official timetablePresent Simple: The train leaves at nine
  • a personal planPresent Continuous, not Present Simple
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