what is the difference between the train leaves at 8am/the train is leaving at 8am (which is wrong?)

Question

Answer

For casual spoken English in Canada, they are equivalent.

For an English exam, "the train leaves at 8 a.m." is preferred.

More information:
https://www.ef.com/ca/english-resources/english-grammar/future/
[excerpt]
Time-tabled events: The plane takes off at 3 a.m.

Also, see English Grammar in Use 5th Edition by Murphy, unit 19.

Answer

Hey Alejandro,

Both are grammatically correct. However, there's more to know. "The train leaves at 8 a.m." can be used to talk about the current train situation (the near future) or the train schedule in general. "The train is leaving at 8 a.m." can only be used for the near future and not the general sense.

Hope that helps!

-Chase

Answer

Both are grammatically correct, but the first one sounds more natural.

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