We can use several tenses to talk about the future. In some situations (e.g. talking about arrangements) more than one tense could be used whit little or no change in meaning.
2.1 Present Simple
We use the present simple:
For scheduled events, timetables and arrangements e.g.
What time does the talk start?
We arrive in New York at 7am.
Whit the verb be to talk about how long
How long are you here for?
I’m here until the 17th.
2.2 Present Continuous
We use the Present Continuous for personal plans and arrangements (a future time reference must either be stated or understood from the context). e.g.
What are you doing this weekend?
I’m leaving on Saturday.
She’s staying at the plaza Hotel.
2.3 Going to
We use the going to + infinitive:
For intentions, plan and decisions that have been made before the moment of speaking e.g.
What are you going to do for your holidays this year?
Today I’m going to look for another job.
For predictions based on present evidence e.g.
The profits are going to be very good this year.
The staff aren’t going to like the decision.
2.4 Will
We use will + infinitive:
For sudden decisions made at the moment of speaking (it is often used on the phone) e.g.
I’ll call you back in half an hour.
I’ll send you an email whit all the details.
For arrangement events (but not personal plans) ; this usage has quite a formal feel e.g.
The prime3 Minister will have talks whit the president.
The meeting will start at 11a.m
For confirming things e.g.
So you’ll contact me by the end of the week?
For promise and threats e.g.
I’ll do it immediately.
I won’t forget.
For predictions (especially whit think, expect) e.g.
I expect I’ll be a bit late.
I don’t think our sales figures will be very good this year.
For offers e.g.
I’ll give you a lift to the station.
2.5 Future Continuous
We use the Future Continuous (will + be + ing) for:
For arrangements and schedules. E.g.
I´ll be staying for three nights.
When will you be arriving?
I´m afraidMr. Sanchez won’t be coming to the meeting.
This use is similar to the use of the present continuous but has a less personal feel; it is often used when referring to a schedule or a situation outside the speaker’s control)
For things that will be happening at a specific time in the future (this is the future equivalent of the past continuous.) e.g.
This time next week I´ll be lying on a beach.
Do you think you will still be working here this time next years?
2.6 When, as soon as, while, before, until in future sentences
We use the present simple (not will) after when, as soon as, while after, before and until when they refer to the future. E.g.
We’ll call you when the goods are in stock.
I’ll ask her to ring you as soon as she gets in.
Will you have any time for sightseeing while you’re in London?