Lesson

Present continuous for future - will, shall

Future expressions

≈ 15 min 8 block(s)

Text

Present continuous for future - will, shall

This lesson explains how we use the present continuous to talk about planned future arrangements, and how this contrasts with using will and shall for decisions, offers, and predictions.

  • Present continuous (be + -ing) often describes fixed personal plans or arrangements.
  • Will is used for spontaneous decisions, promises, and predictions.
  • Shall is used in formal suggestions or offers (mainly with I or we).

Table

Use and Structure: Present continuous vs will vs shall

Form Use Example
Present continuous: subject + am/is/are + verb-ing Planned personal arrangements and fixed plans I'm meeting the client tomorrow at 9 AM.
Will + base verb Spontaneous decisions, promises, offers, predictions I'll send the report after the meeting.
Shall + subject + base verb (mainly I/we) Formal offers or suggestions (questions) Shall we review the agenda now?
Present simple (for timetables) Official timetables or schedules, not personal plans The train leaves at 8:30 PM.

Tip

Key rule: When to use each form

Remember the primary distinction:

  • Use present continuous for arrangements you have already planned or agreed (personal appointments, travel, meetings).
  • Use will for decisions made at the moment of speaking, for promises, and for predictions not based on fixed plans.
  • Use shall (mainly with I/we) in formal offers or polite suggestions, especially in questions.

Think: Present continuous = arranged plan; Will = decision/promise/prediction; Shall = polite/formal offer

Example

Examples in context

I'm meeting the client tomorrow morning.

I'll send the revised proposal after lunch.

Shall we schedule a follow-up call for next week?

She's flying to Madrid next Monday for a conference.

Tip

Common mistakes to avoid

Watch out for these universal errors when talking about the future:

  • Using will for a plan that is already arranged instead of the present continuous.
  • Confusing present simple (timetables) with present continuous (personal arrangements).
  • Omitting the auxiliary verb (am/is/are) in the present continuous (e.g., "I meeting" instead of "I'm meeting").
  • Using shall incorrectly with subjects other than I or we in formal suggestions/questions.

Always check whether the future action is an arranged plan, a timetable, or a spontaneous decision before choosing the form.

Quiz

Choose the correct sentence that shows a planned arrangement:

Hint: Check for am/is/are + verb-ing to show a planned event.

Quiz

Complete: She _____ to Paris next Monday.

Hint: Think about present continuous form for a personal plan.

Quiz

Choose the sentence that uses 'shall' correctly for an offer or suggestion:

Hint: Focus on polite offers/suggestions with I or we.

Key Points

GrammarPoint

present continuous

grammar_point CEFR B1 //ˈprɛzənt kənˈtɪnjuəs//

A verb form (am/is/are + -ing) used for actions in progress and planned future arrangements.

I'm presenting the quarterly results at the meeting next week.

GrammarPoint

will

auxiliary verb CEFR B1 //wɪl//

An auxiliary used for spontaneous decisions, promises, offers, and predictions.

I'll approve the invoice as soon as I check the details.

GrammarPoint

shall

auxiliary verb CEFR B2 //ʃæl//

A formal auxiliary used mainly with I or we for offers or suggestions (questions).

Shall we start the presentation now?

Vocabulary

arrangement

noun CEFR B1 //əˈreɪndʒmənt//

A plan or agreement to meet or do something at a particular time.

We have an arrangement to visit the supplier on Tuesday.

Vocabulary

timetable

noun CEFR B2 //ˈtaɪmˌteɪbəl//

A schedule of fixed events, such as transport or official events.

The timetable shows the conference sessions and their times.

Vocabulary

offer

noun / verb CEFR B1 //ˈɒfər//

To propose to do something for someone; a proposal or suggestion.

Shall I make an offer to the new client?