Chapter+8

=Chapter 8 Other Ways of referring to the future time=

**8.1 The simple present tense**
You use the simple present tense for the future time when it is connected with timetables, schedules and official programs.


 * Examples:**

//De school begint op 1 September.// School starts on 1 September

//De tentoonstelling gaat open op 1 Mei.// The exhibition opens on 1 May.

However, you can also use the present continuous.


 * Example:**

//De volgende trein voor Amsterdam vertrekt om 14:00.// The next train for Amsterdamleaves/is leaving at 14:00.

**8.2 The continuous present tense**
You use the continuous present tense for future time when you express an arrangement or plan for the near future.


 * Examples:**

//Ze arriveren morgen.// They are arriving tomorrow.

//We eten om 7 uur vandaag.// We are dining at 7 today.

**8.3 Be going + to-infinitive**
Be going + to-infinitive expresses intention.


 * Example:**

//Ik ga Rotterdam verlaten.// I am going to leave Rotterdam.

//Ik denk dat het gaat stormen.// I think it is going to storm.

In the last example the subject is impersonal, it is not denoting a person. So it cannot be intention that is expressed, in this case expectation is expressed.

**8.4 Be about + to-infinitive/be on the point of + -ing form**
Be about + to-infinitive/ be on the point of + ing form is used to express immediate future.


 * Example:**

//We staan op het punt erachter te komen.// We are about to find out./ We are on the point of finding out.

//Hij staat op het punt alles te bekennen.// He is about to confess everything./ He is on the point of confessing everything.

Dutch uses: ‘Op het punt staan te’


 * Exercise 1 Fill in all the possible tenses and give the rule.**

1 He (start) his new job on Monday at 11:00.

2 The train (leave) in a few moments. 3 We (play) tennis this afternoon. 4 She (arrive) tomorrow at 3 O’clock. 5 You (stay) at home tonight?


 * Exercise 2 Which sentences are wrong and why?**

1 The plane lands in a few moments. 2 We leave tomorrow. 3 The cooking class starts at 16:00.


 * Exercise 3 Translate:**

1 Hij gaat niet naar het feest. 2 Ursula staat op het punt om weg te gaan. 3 De trein staat op het punt te vertrekken. 4 Hij gaat vroeg weg.


 * Answers !**

1 He starts his new job on Monday at 11:00 - Schedule 2 The train is leaving in a few moments - Arrangement/plan in the near future 3 We are playing tennis this afternoon - Arrangement/plan in the near future 4 She arrives tomorrow at 3 O’clock - Schedule 5 Are you staying at home tonight? - Plan
 * Exercise 1**

1 Wrong - The plane is landing in a few moments 2 Wrong - We are leaving tomorrow 3 Correct
 * Exercise 2**

1 He is not going to the party. 2 Ursula is about to leave./ Ursula is on the point of leaving. 3 The train is about to leave. / The train is on the point of leaving. 4 He is going to leave early.
 * Exercise 3**

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