Functions
1. We use the present simple for something scheduled:
The simple present is used to make statements about events at a time later than now, when the statements are based on present facts, and when these facts are something fixed like a time-table, schedule, calendar.
Examples
- The plane arrives at 18.00 tomorrow.
- She has a yoga class tomorrow morning.
- The restaurant opens at 19.30 tonight.
- Next Thursday at 14.00 there is an English exam.
Note the difference between:
- The plane leaves in ten minutes (= statement of fact)
- The plane's going to leave in ten minutes (= prediction based on present situation, meaning "...and if you don't hurry up you're going to miss it!")
2. We use modals may, might and could when we are not sure about the future:
- I might stay at home tonight or I might go to the cinema.
- We could see Mary at the meeting. She sometimes goes.
3. We often use verbs like would like, plan, want, mean, hope, expect to talk about the future:
- What are you going to do next year? I'd like to go to university.
- We plan to go to France for our holidays.
- George wants to buy a new car.