Different future time expressions

Question

Hi,I am wondering what the difference is between these two future time expressions:1) I am visiting my grandma next month.2) I will be visiting my grandma next month.Much appreciated if someone be kind to help clarify it.Thanks!Best regards,Tom

Mister Micawber · Accepted Answer

Hello, Tom - and welcome to English Forums.

1) I am visiting my grandma next month.

2) I will be visiting my grandma next month.

My first comment is that there is no big difference, and a native speaker is liable to utter either of these (or some other forms) without thinking about it at all.

#1 (present progressive) is generally used when aplan has been made and it is for the near future.

#2 (future progressive) is generally used (a) to indicate a future activity during which another future event occurs (I will be visiting her next month [so I cannot attend your wedding]) or (b) to indicate the speaker's enhanced emotion about the event.

Salsatom · Answer

Dear Mister Micawber,

Thank you very much for explaining.

But I am not quite sure I understand your meaning of 'speaker's enhanced emotion' in #2 (b).

Would you mind to explain further?

Thank you in advance.

Best regards,

Tom

Mister Micawber · Answer

We often use a progressive form to make the action more vivid and immediate when we are excited, upset, or otherwise emotionally affected during the utterance.

Different future time expressions

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