The future continuous tense is made up of the simple future tense of the verb to be (shall/will be) + a present participle (verb + -ing) of the main verb, as follow:| Subject | Simple future of 'to be' | Present participle (base + ing) |
| We | shall/will be | jogging |
We use the future continuous tense:
for something that is going to happen or will happen. The precise time when it will happen is unknown.
Examples:
- I will be calling you.
We will be going over to your house.
for an action that lasts a period of time in the future.
Examples:
- His father will be working the whole day tomorrow.
He will be attending a two-week training course.
for an action that has been planned.
Examples:
- They will be vacationing in Rome this summer.
I will be going for my dental appointment tomorrow.
to express an action that will be in progress at a certain or specified time in the future.
Examples:
- We will/shall be sleeping by the time you return.
- At this time next week, I shall/will be playing poker.
Will they be coming at 6 p.m. tomorrow?
for an action which will happen as a matter of routine or as scheduled (without intention).
Examples:
- You will be working with Miss Cool again when you turn up for work tomorrow.
The first train will be departing at 5.30 a.m.
to seek a favour of someone by asking about their plans.
Examples:
- Will you be passing by the post office on your way home?
Will you be babysitting for my sister while she’s away?
to ask for information.
Examples:
- Will you be joining the workout session this evening?
We will be asking the representative from the tour company a few questions.
To make a prediction about something in the future.
Examples:
- She will be feeling very sad when she learns the truth.
(When in doubt, may can be used instead of shall/will.) - She may be feeling sad when she learns the truth.
The future continuous tense and the simple future tense
There is often little or no difference in meaning between the future continuous tense and the simple future tense.
Examples:
- Will you be coming to the party tonight? (Future continuous tense)
- Will you come to the party tonight? (Simple future tense)
- The choir will be singing when the bride and bridgegroom enter the church. (Future continuous tense)
(The singing will be in progress when the bride and bridegroom enter the church.) - The choir will sing when the bride and bridegroom enter the church. (Simple future tense)
(The bride and bridegroom will enter the church and then the choir will sing.)
Possible to have more than one way to express a future action, and often they have similar meaning
Examples:
- He will be having lunch with us.
- He will have lunch with us.
- Some guests will be arriving late.
- Some guests will arrive late.
- Some guests are arriving late.
The continuous tenses:
Examples:
- In the evening, she is at home. She is doing her homework. (present continuous)
- In the evening, she was at home. She was doing her homework. (past continuous)
In the evening, she will be at home. She will be doing her homework. (future continuous)
Future Continuous Tense
The future continuous tense is used to indicate actions that will be in progress at a time in the future. The Future Continuous is constructed as will be + -ing form of the verb.
Examples:
I suppose it will be rainingwhen we start.
This time tomorrow, I will be visiting the zoo in Singapore.
Uses
- We can use the Future Continuous to show that a long, continuous action in the future, which will be interrupted by a shorter action in the future.
Examples:
I'll be making lunch when she arrives.
She'll be studying when her parents come home. - The future continuous tense is used to talk about actions in the future that are already planned or which are expected to happen in the normal course of things.
Examples:
I will be staying here until Sunday.
He will be meeting us next week.
The postman will be coming soon. - The Future Continuous is also used to indicate an activity that is in progress now, and is certain to continue for a period in the future.
Examples:
They'll be playing chess until 5 o'clock.
She'll be playing video games until she gets scolded by her mother.
Susan will be waiting for the train 10 more minutes. - We can also use the future continuous tense to make polite enquiries, when we wish to know what somebody's plans are:
Examples:
Will you be coming with me to the cinema tonight?
Will you be going to the conference in January 2017?
Worksheet
- This time tomorrow, I ................... at home. (relax)
- ........... you ................... to the birthday party? (come)
- She ................... us next week. (meet)
- We ................... Television until 5 p.m. (watch)
- When you come in the evening, we ................... badminton. (play)
- I think it ................... when we come back. (rain)
- I ................... next year. (not work)
- John and Sam ................... the conference. (not attend)
- In three years’ time, you ................... this machine easily. (use)
- Ten years from now, you ................... at the university. (study)
Answers
- This time tomorrow, I will be relaxing at home.
- Will you be coming to the birthday party?
- She will be meeting us next week.
- We will be watching television until 5 p.m.
- When you come in the evening, we will be playing badminton.
- I think it will be raining when we come back.
- I shall not be working next year.
- John and Sam will not be attending the conference.
- In three years’ time, you will be using this machine easily.
- Ten years from now, you will be studying at the university.
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