Using the present simple and continuous

Using the present continuous

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Planned actions

The present continuous is used to indicate firm plans for the future.

He is arriving here this evening. (Bank of English)

Glenys Kinnock, the wife of the Labour Leader, is visiting York this lunchtime. (Bank of English)

The present continuous is less common than other constructions like be going to as a way of expressing future time. Note also that the time of the future action, eg this evening and this lunchtime, is normally stated when the present continuous is used in this way. For further information, see Expressing future time: Using the present continuous.

Introduction
Actions or events in progress
Repeated actions
Planned actions
With verbs representing thinking
With verbs representing perception
With verbs representing likes and dislikes
With verbs representing desires and needs
With verbs representing being and having