The Present for Planned Events

Level 2Sounds Like segašno vreme za idnina

The present tense can talk about a planned or scheduled event, usually with a time word: Утре одам во Охрид (I am going to Ohrid tomorrow).

How It Works

When it works. Use the ordinary present for events that are arranged or on a timetable: trips, classes, exams, meetings and opening hours. A time word such as утре, во петок or следната недела usually makes the future meaning clear: Во петок имаме испит. Возот тргнува во шест часот.

Only imperfective verbs. A perfective present such as дојдам or купам cannot stand alone, so it cannot carry this meaning. Use the imperfective partner or use ќе: Утре доаѓам or Утре ќе дојдам. See perfective verbs after да, ќе and ако.

Present or ќе? The present makes the event sound fixed. The future with ќе is neutral and also covers predictions, promises and decisions made on the spot: Утре ќе врне (a prediction), Ќе ти помогнам (an offer). The present is not used for these.

Examples (6)

  1. Утре одам во Охрид.

    I am going to Ohrid tomorrow.

    Утре shows that the present refers to a plan.

  2. Во петок имаме испит.

    We have an exam on Friday.

  3. Возот тргнува во шест часот.

    The train leaves at six o'clock.

    A timetable uses the present.

  4. Следната недела почнувам нова работа.

    I start a new job next week.

    Почнува is imperfective, so it can stand alone.

  5. Кога се враќаш од Битола?

    When are you coming back from Bitola?

    The imperfective враќа, not the perfective врати, is used for the plan.

  6. Вечерва продавницата работи до десет.

    Tonight the shop is open until ten.

Common Mistakes

  • Using a perfective present on its own for a plan.

    Утре дојдам кај тебе.
    Утре доаѓам кај тебе.

    A perfective present such as дојдам cannot stand alone. Use the imperfective доаѓам, or say Утре ќе дојдам кај тебе.

How It Connects

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The Present for Planned EventsLevel 2

Learn This First

Planned events need time words and the future.