When is the present continuous tense used as a future tense?
The present continuous tense is used as a future tense when reference to a future date is included, it is used when: – Referring to plans or actions that will take place at a specific time or date in the future e.g. They are leaving tomorrow; It is arriving next Tuesday – Referring to plans or actions that will take place in the future, with no specific time or date being mentioned e.g. I am resigning from this post; He is leaving the country How is the present continuous tense formed? Tenses have three variations: Affirmative, Negative and Question Note: For more on the present continuous tense, see The Simple Guide to English Present Tenses : The Present Continuous Tense. -Affirmative: Subject + auxiliary verb “be” + present participle -Negative: Subject + auxiliary verb “be” + not + present participle – Question: Auxiliary verb “be” + subject + present participle The present continuous tense is formed in exactly the same way, whether it is used as a future tense or a present tense.
