A: I’m going to the doctor’s tomorrow, so do you think you could cover my shift for me?
B: Sorry, I’m already covering for someone else.
Question: Does B use the right tense? What tense should I use in this situation?
Thank you!!
B is correct.
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Yes, it’s the right tense. It’s present continuous* indicating future, meaning: I’m sorry, but I will already be working someone else’s shift for them, so I won’t be able to work your shift for you.
*Edit: name of tense corrected. Thank-you, Nicholas.
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Just a small note, it’s the present continuous (to be + -ing form), not the simple present.
The present continuous can be used as a future tense to indicate something that has already been planned or arranged (e.g. I’m meeting her tomorrow.) So, yes, it’s the right tense in this situation.
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Thanks for the correction, Nicholas! I often fail to make the distinction between simple present and the continuous, but of course there’s a big difference! “Sorry, I already cover for someone else” make you sound like you not know English so very good, Mr. Leonard.
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