Can the present simple tense be used to talk about future events?

Can the present simple tense be used to talk about future events?

Yes, the present simple tense can be used to talk about future events in certain situations. This is known as the "future with present simple" or "present simple for future arrangements." It is commonly used when discussing fixed schedules, timetables, or regular events that are planned to happen in the future.

For example:
- The train leaves at 8:00 AM tomorrow.
- The concert starts at 7:30 PM next Friday.
- Our flight departs on Sunday morning.

In these cases, the present simple tense is used to express future actions that are already planned or scheduled. However, it is important to note that for most future events, the present simple tense is not typically used. Instead, other future tenses such as "will" or "going to" are more commonly employed.