The present continuous and the future continuous can both be used to talk about our future plans.

The present continuous tense

Form: is/am / are + ing form of the verb

We often use the present continuous tense with a future meaning. This tense form is used to talk about things that have already been decided or plans that have already been made.

As you can see, present continuous and going to can both be used with very similar meanings.

Generally speaking, the present continuous tense is used to talk about our social or work plans. It is normally used with a future time reference.

What are you doing this weekend?

I am fixing the roof.

Going to, on the other hand, puts an emphasis on the idea of intention.

Future continuous tense

Form: will / shall + be + -ing form

I will be seeing your dad tomorrow.

The future continuous tense is used to suggest that a future event will be in progress over a limited period of time in the future.

I will be spending one or two weeks in France.

Here the auxiliary ‘will’ indicates future whereas the continuous verb ‘be spending’ indicates continuity.

Use this tense form to suggest that an activity will be happening at a certain time in the future, and that this activity will last for a limited period of time.

So, here are the most important points again.

Use simple future to announce decisions that you make at the time of speaking.

Use going to to announce your intentions; use the present continuous to talk about plans and decisions that have already been made.

Use the future continuous tense to suggest that an activity will be in progress at a particular point of time in the future.