0
Peťulinka Posted 21 years ago
Grammar

present simple x continuous used for future

Hello!

I would like to help with these two sentences:

I leave tonight.

I'm leaving tonight.

I am not sure but I think that there is a difference that in the first sentence somebody could plan it for me and the second sentence can be that it's my decision. Is it right?

And what about these sentences???

I'm going to leave tonight.

I will leave tonight.

Thank you very much...
  

Top answer

Hi Petulinka, I leave tonight. I'm leaving tonight. I am not sure but I think that there is a difference that in the first sentence somebody could plan it for me and the second sentence can be that it's my decision.

— Clive

  • Hi Petulinka, I leave tonight.
  • I'm leaving tonight.
  • I am not sure but I think that there is a difference that in the first sentence somebody could plan it for me and the second sentence can be that it's my decision.
  • Is it right?
  • Generally speaking, yes.
Free · every Monday

Get the Weekly English Kit 📬

New words, one handy idiom, and a 2-minute quiz — delivered to your inbox to keep your streak alive.

4 Answers
0
Hi Petulinka,

I leave tonight.

I'm leaving tonight.

I am not sure but I think that there is a difference that in the first sentence somebody could plan it for me and the second sentence can be that it's my decision. Is it right? Generally speaking, yes.

I'm go
0
0
Human subjects

1. She's going to leave tomorrow. [Already decided, but still open to change.]

2. She's leaving tomorrow. [Already arranged but perhaps open to change.]

3. She leaves tomorrow. [Already arranged and not really open to change.]

4. She's to leave tomorrow. [Already arranged, probably not by the subject.]

Quoted from Ways to Grammar
0
0
Thanks for the reference Teo. It's a very nice analysis and summary.

To tell you the truth though, most native speakers will know how to properly use the correct form depending on the particular circumstances. But most won't be able to explain it!!!
0

Related Questions