Essential Grammar in Use(Third Edition)--Future Unit25

What are you doing tomorrow?

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A

They are playing tennis (now).  

He is playing tennis tomorrow.

 

We use am/is/are + -ing (present continuous) for something happening now:

• Where are Sue and Amanda?   They're playing tennis in the park.
• Please be quiet. I'm working.

We also use am/is/are + -ing for the future (tomorrow / next week etc.):

• Andrew is playing tennis tomorrow.
• I'm not working next work.

B

I am doing something tomorrow = I have arranged to do it, I have a plan to do it.

• Sophie is going to the dentist on Friday. (= she has an appointment with the dentist)
• We're having a party next weekend.
• Are you meeting your friends tonight?
• What are you doing tomorrow evening?
• I'm not going out tonight. I'm staying at home.

C

Be careful! Do not use the present simple ( I stay/do you go  etc.) to say what somebody has arranged to do:

• I'm staying at home this evening. (not I say)
• Are you going out tonight? (not Do you go)
• Lisa isn't coming to the party next week. (not Lisa doesn't come)

But we use the present simple for timetables, programmes, trains, buses etc.:

• The train arrives at 7.30.
• What time does the film finish?

Compare:

present continuous (usually for people)	present simple (for timetables, programmes etc.
I'm going to a concert tomorrow. What time are you leaving?	The concert starts at 7.30. What time does your train leave?