B1Tenses — Future

Present Simple for Future

What is it?

Not all future events in English require "will" or "going to." When talking about fixed schedules, timetables, and officially arranged events, English speakers often use the present simple — even though the event is in the future. "The train leaves at 8:15." "The film starts at 9." "What time does the shop close?" This use of the present simple reflects how certain and fixed the event is — it's already built into a schedule.

How to form it

Subject	Positive	Negative	Question
I / You / We / They	They open at 9	They don't open until 9	What time do they open?
He / She / It	The train leaves at 8	The train doesn't leave until 8	What time does the train leave?

• Same form as the present simple: base verb (+ -s for he/she/it).
• This use is limited to fixed, scheduled events — not personal plans.
• It is most common with timetables: trains, flights, buses, shows, classes, appointments.
• For personal plans and intentions, use 'going to' or present continuous.
• For spontaneous decisions and predictions, use 'will'.

When to use it

1
Timetables — scheduled transport, opening times, deadlines.
"The ferry leaves at 7am." / "The museum opens at 10 and closes at 6." / "The deadline is next Friday."
2
Official programmes and scheduled events.
"The conference starts on Monday." / "The film begins at 9:15." / "The concert ends around midnight."
3
In if-clauses and time clauses (when, before, after, as soon as) — even when the main clause uses will.
"If she calls, I'll answer." / "When you arrive, I'll be waiting." / "As soon as he finishes, we'll leave."
4
Fixed future events that are essentially facts.
"Christmas falls on a Wednesday this year." / "The next World Cup is in 2026."

Common mistakes

The train will leave at 8:15 tomorrow.

The train leaves at 8:15 tomorrow.

For timetable events, present simple is more natural than 'will' in British English.

If she will call, tell her I'm busy.

If she calls, tell her I'm busy.

In if-clauses referring to the future, use present simple — not 'will'.

When he will arrive, I'll let you know.

When he arrives, I'll let you know.

In time clauses (when, before, after, as soon as), use present simple for the future — not 'will'.

Quick reference

Use present simple for fixed future events: timetables, schedules, official programmes.
The train leaves at 8. The shop opens at 9. The film starts at 7:30.
In if- and when-clauses about the future: use present simple, not will.
This is NOT for personal plans — use going to or present continuous for those.
It reflects certainty — the event is on a schedule and won't change.
Very common in travel, event planning, and business contexts.

Natural conversation example

Planning a group trip with last-minute logistics.

Dan

What time does our train leave?

Sara

It departs at 7:42 from platform 3. We need to leave by 7.

Dan

And what time does it arrive?

Sara

It gets in at 10:15 if it runs on time.

Dan

When does the conference actually start?

Sara

The opening session begins at 11, so we should be fine.

Dan

Good. Let me know if anything changes. As soon as I finish packing, I'll call you.

Sara

Perfect. If the taxi is late, we can always walk. It doesn't take long.

Practice Exercises

Complete each sentence using the present simple for the future.

1.
The last bus (leave) at 11:30, so don't be late.
2.
What time (the shop / close) on Saturdays?
3.
The exhibition (open) on the 15th and
4.
If you (see) him, can you pass on the message?
5.
As soon as she (arrive), we'll start the meeting.
6.
The conference (begin) on Monday and
7.
When the results (come out), I'll let you know immediately.
8.
The next available appointment (be) on Thursday at 2pm.
9.
Before you (leave), make sure to sign the register.
10.
The ferry (dock) at 8:45am and

Will or Be Going To All Topics

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