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Anonymous Posted 12 years ago
Grammar

Sentence help

What is meaning if these sentences:

I want to tell you what classes I am taking next semester.
I want to tell you what classes I will take next semester.

Do they mean the same? I am confused.
  

Top answer

Don't be confused. They have the same meaning. The present continuous is often used to mean the same thing as the simple future.

— Philip

  • Don't be confused.
  • They have the same meaning.
  • The present continuous is often used to mean the same thing as the simple future.
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19 Answers
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Don't be confused. They have the same meaning. The present continuous is often used to mean the same thing as the simple future.
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PhilipDon't be confused. They have the same meaning. The present continuous is often used to mean the same thing as the simple future.
I see. Thanks. Is the present continuous in this sentence the same as the simple future, as you said, specifically because I used 'next semester' at the end? Or does it in general have the sa
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Only context can tell us if the present continuous refers to the future. If he we have no context at all, then the assumption is that "I want to tell you what classes I am taking" refers to classes the speaker is taking now.
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fivejedjonOnly context can tell us if the present continuous refers to the future. If he we have no context at all, then the assumption is that "I want to tell you what classes I am taking" refers to classes the speaker is taking now.
I see, but it can refer to the future, right?

Yes, the sentence you have without 'next semester' does not tell that it
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AnonymousI see, but it can refer to the future, right?
It could, but we'd need more context to be sure.
AnonymousDo you mean that without 'next semester' it is not possible to tell? Is that why you excluded 'next semester', to show that without context it is not possible to tell?
I omitted 'next semester' because you asked
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Yes, what I am saying is, is if I used the specific time marker 'next semester' it would basically mean the same as the simple future, and as you have said, it depends on the context. Have I understood correctly?
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AnonymousI want to tell you what classes I will take next semester.
I don't think you could get this sentence out of me if you paid me. Not even with "I'll".

It's not spontaneous enough. If I already know what classes I'm taking (see what I just wrote), as is evident from "next semester" and the fact that I'm ready to tell someone, I'm not making a
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Hi CJ, I am not sure what is your point! But I already know what classes I will be taking, and that is why I wrote that sentence.

Are the sentences wrong or do you mean they are not appropriate if I have no idea what I will be taking?
CalifJim AnonymousI want to tell you what classes I will take next semester.I don't think you could get this sentence out of me if y
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CJ, I think I know understand what you mean. Do you mean that the sentences have different meanings? The one with 'I will' means that I still have not taken them, and the other one is the fact that I already know what I am taking and I want to tell someone. Is that what you meant?

Wow if that is what you meant you are very detailed and specific!
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AnonymousI am not sure what is your point is! But I already know what classes I will be taking, and that is why I wrote that sentence.
Anonymous... do you mean they are not appropriate if I have no idea what I will be taking?
No. I don't mean that. The first one is fine becau
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