We use the future continuous tense when we want to talk about something happening in the future or o project ourselves into the future.
2 Rules for forming the Future Continuous Tense
The future continuous is made up of two parts:
-
The simple future form of the verb ‘to be’
-
The present participle (verb + ing)
TRY THE FREE CAMBRIDGE ENGLISH TEST
Positive
Noun + will + be + verb-ing
Noun |
Simple future of ‘to be’(Long Form) |
(Short Form) |
Present participle |
| I
you she he it we they |
will be |
‘ll be |
sleeping
studying dancing drawing amazing standing playing |
Negative
Note: The short form of simple future (negative) ‘will not be’ becomes a new word: won’t.
Noun + will + not + be + verb-ing
| Noun | Simple future of ‘to be’
(Long Form) |
(Short Form) | Present participle |
| I
you she he it we they |
will not be |
won’t be |
going
practicing driving travelling snowing staying dining |
How do I make questions with the Future Continuous?
The simple future ‘will’ moves to the position before the noun:
Simple future of ‘to be’ |
Noun |
Be |
Present participle |
| Will (positive)
Won’t (negative) |
I you she he it we they |
be |
staying? |
Using the Future Continuous – Examples
We use the future continuous tense when we want to talk about something happening in the future:
- I will be studying this weekend.
- Manchester United will be playing football against Real Madrid next week.
- We will be standing under the marquee at 7 o’clock sharp.
- We will not be attending the reception tomorrow.
We can also use it to project ourselves into the future:
- By this time next year I will be working for Microsoft.
- You will likely be feeling hungry after your fast.
- Once you’re back in Australia you’ll be missing the cold weather.
The future continuous can also be used as a polite way to ask for information about the future:
- Will you be bringing your fiancée to the party?
- Will we be competing against each other in the match?
- Will you be dining alone tonight?
- Won’t you be staying for the weekend?
- Won’t we be gardening in such nice weather?
- Won’t they be playing with the back-up band?