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I got the grammatical exercise as follows.

It ( ) dark before we reach home.
(a) is getting (b) was getting (c) will be getting

The model answer ( the most appropriate answer) is ( C)

But I wonder why the answer ( a) is not appropriate answer for this blank here.

We can use the progressive form to describe the future, can't we?

Could you explain the reason ?

Englishmaven · Accepted Answer

"Before we reach home" is at some undetermined time in the future, so you shouldn't use the present progressive, which refers to the present moment. You must use a future tense.

Sometimes we do use the present progressive for the future:

I'm studying history next semester. I'm taking ballet classes in the fall.

I'm studying French when I go back to college. (The future is specified.)

Fivejedjon · Answer

Anonymous I wonder why the answer ( a) is not appropriate answer for this blank here.

We generally use the present progressive as a way of expressing the future when we are talking of something that has been arranged. The onset of darkness may be certain, but it's not an arrangement.

Fivejedjon · Answer

Englishmaventhe present progressive, which refers to the present moment.

It often does not refer to the present moment. It is usually used for a situation of limited duration that happens at or around the present moment:

Shh! I'm watching a film. - At this very moment.
I'm watching a lot of films these days. - Limited time around the present moment, but not at the present moment.

I'm watching a film this evening. - A present arrangement of limited duration that will end when I have watched the film.

EnglishmavenYou must use a future tense.

Most grammarians these days consider that English does not have a future tense. There are at least five common ways of expressing the future, one of which is the present progressive.

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