Future Continuous Tense

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 raining when 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.