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Help the frantic Chief of Staff finalize tomorrow's chaotic diplomatic schedule by selecting the correct verb forms.
According to the official itinerary, the ambassador's private jet _______________________________ at exactly 14:00. I just spoke to his security detail; they've finalized the plans and they _________________________ a decoy route through the city sewers to avoid the paparazzi. We absolutely cannot begin the welcome banquet until he _________________________ safely decontaminated.
The correct answers are touches down, are taking, and is.
touches down: We use the present simple for future events that are part of a fixed timetable or official schedule.
are taking: We use the present continuous for confirmed personal or group arrangements in the future (the security detail has decided and arranged this specific plan).
is: In subordinate time clauses (introduced by conjunctions like until, when, as soon as, before), we use the present simple to refer to the future.