The present simple 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 timetable, a work schedule, or dates in a calendar. It is common for Native English speakers to use the present simple to speak about the future, particularly when talking about arrangements and plans. When using the present simple for the future it is usually followed by an indication of time such as tomorrow, next week, next year, etc. The following three points illustrate this.
- With a future time-expression (To show an action that was previously planned or has a regular timetable (work,classes, trains, planes, etc)
- Sandra starts work at 8:00am. (We understand that this is normal for Sandra)
- The plane leaves at 8:43 on Friday. (It has a fixed timetable
- To talk about planned actions or events.
- My mother leaves at 4:30 tomorrow afternoon. (her journey is already planned)
- Quickly please children! Class starts in five minutes. (the class is programmed to start)
- John starts work at 10:00 on Friday. (We understand that this is programmed for this Friday
- To talk about future arrangements
- Mary and Helen cannot go with me next Wednesday. They have training then. (Training is next week, a time in the future)