#english_language 

# Present Continuous
When speaking about future arrangements, we use the present continous to emphasise that we are talking about a **DEFINITE ARRANGEMENT**
> They**'re leaving** from Frankfurt airport at 6.30 pm
> We**'re having** a party on Sunday, 12th November
> The orchestra **is performing** Mahler's 5th Symphonjy at next week's concert

However, we don't use the present continous for the future in the following cases:
- when we make or report predictions about activites or events over which we **have no control**
	> I think it'll rain soon / it's going to rain soon (*not* I think it's raining soon)

- when we talk about **permanent** future situations
	> People are going to live / will live longer in the future (*not* are living)

- with the verb **"be"**
	> John's going to be a shepherd (*not* John's being)
# "Going to"
When speaking about future arrangements, we use "going to" to talk about an **INTENTION** to do something in the future, emphasising the lack of a definite arrangement
> Before I go to China next year, I'm **going to** learn some Cantonese
> I'm still not feeling very well, so I think I'm **going to** see the doctor some time this week
# Both
We use the [[Present Continous|present continous]] and going to + infinitive to talk about future activities and events that are intended or have already been arranged:
> She**'s making** a speech at the conference next week
> **Are** you **seeing** Tony this week?
> We**'re going** to do some climbing in the Pyrenees