Present simple for the future

We use the present simple to talk about future events which are part of a fixed timetable or fixed programme.

'What time doesthe tennis start tomorrow evening ?' 'At 6.15.'

The film starts at 7.30 and finishes at 9.00.

What time does your plane leave tomorrow?

Next summer the school holidays begin on July 25th and end on September 10th.

We use the present simple in this way when we think of smth in the future as a fact, or as an arrangement or plan which cannot change.

EXERCISE 2

Complete the sentences using the present simple of the verbs in brackets.

Example:

Our boat leaves (leave) Dover at 2.00 on Friday and arrives (arrive) in Calais at 6.00.

1 The conference (start) on June 3rd, and (finish) on June 10th.

2 We've got plenty of time. Our plane (not | take off) until 9 o'clock.

3 Tonight's concert (begin) at 8.00 and it (not | end) until 11.00.

4 When (the next train | leave) for Bristol?

Present simple for the future after when, if, etc

We use the present simple to refer to the future in clauses of time and condition after when, while, as soon as, after, before, until, if, unless, as/so long as and provided/providing (that).

will/won’t present simple

EXERCISE 22A

Put one verb in each sentence into the present simple and the other verb into the will/won't form.

Example: If I fail (fail) the exam, I’II take (take) it again.

1 When I (see) him I (give) him your message.

2 I (buy) a new car as soon as I (have) enough money.

3 If the weather (be) nice tomorrow, we (go) sailing.

4 I (look after) your cat while you (be) on holiday.

5 He (not | do) anything until he (hear) from us.

6 The door (not/open) unless you (push) it hard.

7 We (play) tennis this evening as long as it (not | rain).

8 I (lend) you the money provided you (pay) me back tomorrow.

Note

-we can also use the Present perfect after when, if, etc to show that the first action will be finished before the second eg I'll lend you the newspaper when I've finished it.