Learning Tenses - Step Nine - Other ways of reffering to the future

• IS / ARE TO BE - This is used to describe formal arrangements (All students are to assemble in the hall at 9.00.)
• BE ABOUT TO, BE ON THE POINT OF, BE DUE TO, JUST ABOUT TO - Be about to and be on the point of both refer to the next moment. Be due to refers to scheduled times. Just can be used to describe sth on the point of happening.
  

Examples: I think the play is about to start now.
Mary is on the point of resigning.
The play is due to start in 5 minutes.
Ann's flight is due at 6.20
Hurry up! The train is just leaving.

• PRESENT SIMPLE is used to refer to future time in future time clauses ( When we get there, we'll have dinner)
• PRESENT PERFECT can also be used instead Present Simple when the completion of the event is emphasised ( When we've had a rest, we'll go out)