Select the most appropriate option to fill in the blank in the following sentence:-
Please do not call me between 1 to 4 pm today. I _____ a workshop during that time.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → am attending
Present continuous for a fixed future arrangement:
- Form: am/is/are + -ing.
- Besides actions in progress, it is used for a future arrangement that has already been fixed.
- This sentence: the speaker already knows that the workshop is between 1 and 4 pm today and asks not to be called then, so "I am attending a workshop during that time".
- Complete sentence: Please do not call me between 1 to 4 pm today. I am attending a workshop during that time.
Why the Other Options are Incorrect?
Option 1: will attend — Incorrect.
- Will + verb is used for predictions, promises and decisions made at the moment of speaking.
- For a plan already in the diary, English prefers the present continuous.
Example: Don't worry, I will attend the meeting for you.
Option 3: will have attended — Incorrect. The future perfect shows an action completed before a future time. "During that time" needs an action in progress.
Example: By Friday, I will have attended all five lectures.
Option 4: will be attend — Incorrect. This is ungrammatical. The future continuous needs the -ing form, "will be attending".
Example: At noon tomorrow I will be attending a seminar.
Contrast: am attending (present continuous) is for a plan already fixed. Will attend is for a decision or promise made at the moment of speaking.