Using the present tense in Spanish in order to refer to a future action (only future time indications)

We use El Presente in order to refer to a future action. Read and listen to these examples:

El año que viene viajo por América del Sur.Next year I am travelling through South America.

La semana próxima vienes a Italia.Next week you are coming to Italy.

Mañana vamos a la piscina.Tomorrow we are going to the swimming pool.

El mes que viene Ana y Luisa participan en un campeonato.Next month Ana and Luisa are participating in a competition.

Notice how in all the examples there is an indication of a future event with different time phrases: "el mes que viene", "mañana", "el año que viene""la semana próxima."

If there is no time phrase indicating the future, the sentence can only refer to a present event.

"Salgo con mi novio" (no time phrase, present)

(I go out with my boyfriend.)

"Después salgo con mi novio." (después indicates a future event)

(I am going out/I am going to go out with my boyfriend later.)

 

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Examples and resources

Mañana vamos a la piscina.Tomorrow we are going to the swimming pool.
El mes que viene Ana y Luisa participan en un campeonato.Next month Ana and Luisa are participating in a competition.
La semana próxima vienes a Italia.Next week you are coming to Italy.
El año que viene viajo por América del Sur.Next year I am travelling through South America.
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