Present simple for the future: timetables

Rules

• Rule 1: Timetables and schedules → present simple

  Use the present simple for times set by someone else: buses, trains, planes, school, classes, movies, games and store hours. With he / she / it, add -s.

  Pattern: subject + verb(-s) + time / day

  Example: The bus arrives at 10:15.

  Example: Our English class is at nine tomorrow.

• Rule 2: Questions and negatives

  Follow the normal present simple rules: questions with do / does + base verb; negatives with don't / doesn't + base verb.

  Pattern: What time does … + base verb? · … doesn't + base verb

  Example: What time does the concert start?

  Example: The pool doesn't open until ten.

• Rule 3: Personal arrangements → present continuous

  For plans we have arranged with other people, use the present continuous (am / is / are + -ing), usually with a time expression (tomorrow, on Saturday).

  Pattern: subject + am / is / are + verb-ing

  Example: I'm playing tennis with Deniz on Saturday.

  Example: We're having dinner at Grandma's tonight.

• Rule 4: Intentions → be going to

  For things we have decided or intend to do, use be going to + base verb.

  Pattern: subject + am / is / are going to + base verb

  Example: I'm going to read more books this year.

  Example: She's going to join the chess club.

Common mistakes

• The train is leave at 9:00. → The train leaves at 9:00.

  Timetable → present simple; not “is + base verb”.

• The movie start at 8:00. → The movie starts at 8:00.

  Singular subject → add -s.

• What time the bus leaves? → What time does the bus leave?

  Questions need does + base verb.