TENSES

SIMPLE PRESENT FOR FUTURE EVENTS

1. Form - see Simple Present section.
2. Simple present for future events - function

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:

a. The plane arrives at 18.00 tomorrow.
b. She has a yoga class tomorrow morning.
c. The restaurant opens at 19.30 tonight.
d. Next Thursday at 14.00 there is an English exam.

Note the difference between:

a. The plane leaves in ten minutes (= statement of fact)
b. 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!")