I would like to know the difference between "be going to," the present continuous, and the present simple. We use one of them when we talk about future, but I can't differentiate them. For example:
The holidays start next week.
Why can't we use:
- The holidays are going to start next week.
- The holidays are starting next week.
- The holidays will start next week.
Best Answer
Using the present tense for future events indicates certainty, consistency, and familiarity. In other words, use this to talk about events which will happen, which happen on a regular basis (or are predictable in some way), and about which you have some personal knowledge.
I know this happens every year, last year I saw it happen in the same way, and I am sure it will happen the same way this year.
I know the train leaves at a specific time, I know that trains usually leave on time, and I have seen the schedule to confirm when the train will leave.
I have personal knowledge that it is scheduled for tomorrow, I know that events like this usually start on schedule, and I feel comfortable asserting that it will definitely happen.
If any of these three does not exist, there is uncertainty, and the future tense will be more appropriate.
I know this happens with some consistency and regularity, as I've already received at least one paycheck on Friday.
Oops, now there is some doubt. I hope this will happen, but I'm not sure it'll happen.
Here's another example: given no other context, consider these two sentences:
The first indicates a future condition, but the context is unclear. Do I really know this will happen? Probably not. More likely I'm expressing an opinion, or a personal hope.
But the second sentence, that expresses an odd certainty. The context is either that we are watching a recording of the game which I have seen before, or that I'm psychic, and I've already seen this happen with my mental powers.