Having learnt how to use the simple future tense, the next step would be to learn the future continuous tense. In this article, you will learn the meaning, definition, formula, structure, rules and uses of the future continuous tense. Explore the examples and try out the practice questions to develop a better understanding of the same.
Table of Contents
- The Future Continuous Tense – What Is It?
- Structure and Formula of the Future Continuous Tense
- Rules and Points to Remember When Using the Future Continuous Tense
- What Do You Use the Future Continuous Tense For?
- Examples of the Future Continuous Tense
- Check Your Understanding of the Future Continuous Tense
- Frequently Asked Questions on the Future Continuous Tense
The Future Continuous Tense – What Is It?
The future continuous tense is generally used to represent an event or action that is happening at a certain point in time in the future. The tense is also called the future progressive tense, as it denotes an action or event that is progressing or continuing at a particular time in the future.
Have a look at how different dictionaries define the future continuous tense in order to have a much better idea of what it is.
Definition of the Future Continuous Tense
The future continuous tense, according to the Cambridge Dictionary, is defined as a tense that is used to “refer to temporary actions and events that will be in progress at a particular time in the future.” According to the Collins Dictionary, the future continuous tense is used “to suggest that something is about to happen or will happen at some time that is not clear or precise.”
Structure and Formula of the Future Continuous Tense
To have a more detailed idea of the future continuous tense, take a look at the formula and structure of the tense.
The formula of the future continuous tense is as follows:
| Subject + Helping verbs (will + be) + present participle form of the verb + the rest of the sentence |
Now, analyse the structure of the future continuous tense to see how the sentence structure changes when used as a positive, negative, interrogative and negative interrogative sentence.
| Positive | Negative | Interrogative | Negative Interrogative |
| Subject + Helping verb (will + be) + Past participle form of the verb + the rest of the sentence | Subject + Will not be/Won’t be + Past participle form of the verb + the rest of the sentence | Will + Subject + Be + Past participle form of the verb + the rest of the sentence | Will + Subject + not + be + Past participle form of the verb + the rest of the sentence
(or) Won’t + Subject + be + Past participle form of the verb + the rest of the sentence |
| For example: Balu will be performing at the International event in Australia. | For example: Balu will not be performing at the International event in Australia.
(or) Balu won’t be performing at the International event in Australia. |
For example: Will Balu be performing at the International event in Australia? | For example: Will Balu not be performing at the International event in Australia?
(or) Won’t Balu be performing at the International event in Australia? |
Rules and Points to Remember When Using the Future Continuous Tense
Like the present continuous tense and the past continuous tense, the future continuous tense consists of two helping verbs – ‘will’ and ‘be’ followed by the past participle form of the main verb. The past participle of the main verb can be formed by adding an ‘ing’ to the end of the verb. The tense can be made negative by adding ‘not’ after ‘will’. When used in the interrogative form, the sentence starts with ‘will’ followed by the subject, ‘be’ and the past participle form of the verb.
Furthermore, always keep in mind that the future continuous tense can be used only with action verbs and never with stative verbs. This is mainly because only action verbs can be done for a particular duration. Also, remember that the action mentioned in the future continuous tense would have started earlier but would not have been completed at that particular point in time.
What Do You Use the Future Continuous Tense For?
The future continuous tense can generally be used to,
- Denote an action that takes place at a specific time in the future.
- Also used to express an action that will take place over a period of time and does not happen all at once in that time.
- To compare between the present and the future.
- To indicate that there is more than one action taking place at the same point in time in the future.
Examples of the Future Continuous Tense
Now, take a look at the following examples to have an in-depth analysis of how the future continuous tense can be used in sentences.
Denoting an action that takes place at a point of time in the future
- I will be watching the new marvel movie along with my brother at 4:30 p.m. tomorrow.
- Susan will not be sleeping at that time.
Expressing an action that will take place over a period of time and not all at once
- The judges will be announcing the winners of the competition at 5 p.m on Tuesday.
- According to the plan, we will be meeting at the park around 11 a.m.
Comparing between the present and the future
- This time next month, we will be travelling to Canada.
- He might not be bold enough to make a decision now, but he will definitely be living a good life in the future.
Indicating more than one action taking place at the same time in the future
- I will be going to school at 8 a.m, so I can drop her off as well.
- Sheena told me that she cannot make it to the reception tomorrow because she will be travelling to Bangalore.
Some Simple Examples of Future Continuous Tense
- I will be writing the letter tomorrow.
- The baby will be playing the whole night.
- I will be helping my mother to make breakfast.
- Sheldon will be eating the cake later.
- Penny will be running in the marathon tomorrow.
- She will be taking her dog for a walk.
- Ritz will be coming to our place soon.
- My mother won’t be working tomorrow.
- The series won’t be releasing this month.
- Who will be waiting for John at the railway station?
- Will I be sleeping here?
- I will be arriving at the station by 5:00 P.M.
- My friends will be coming over for lunch tomorrow.
- Will you be doing laundry tonight?
- I will be watering the plants tomorrow morning.
- Shyam will be visiting his aunt tomorrow.
- I will be joining the new office from next week.
- My parents will be flying to Delhi tomorrow.
- I will not be working tomorrow.
- Rajesh will be staying at the hotel on Friday.
Check Your Understanding of the Future Continuous Tense
Fill in the blanks with the correct form of the future continuous tense in the following sentences:
1. Next month, at this time, I ______________ (chill) in Maldives along with my friends.
2. Nathan _____________ (reach) home at this time tomorrow.
3. Bindhu _______________ (work – negative) for a month as she has to take care of her sick mother.
4. __________ Sue ____________ (attend – interrogative) the Glee club rehearsals the day after tomorrow?
5. ________ Gowtham ____________ (come – negative interrogative) along with you to Chennai?
6. Tania _______________ (try out – negative) for the relay this year.
7. Sandhya ______________ (help) us with the arrangements for tomorrow as Theena will not be able to do it.
8. ____________ Irene ___________ (lead – interrogative) the drill on Sports Day?
9. _________ they ____________ (perform – negative interrogative) Don’t Stop Believing for the Sectionals?
10. The students ______________ (participate) in the extracurricular activities organised by the senior students on Children’s Day.
Now, check the answers given below to find out how far you have understood and answered the questions correctly.
1. Next month, at this time, I will be chilling in the Maldives along with my friends.
2. Nathan will be reaching home at this time tomorrow.
3. Bindhu will not be working for a month as she has to take care of her sick mother.
4. Will Sue be attending the Glee club rehearsals the day after tomorrow?
5. Won’t Gowtham be coming along with you to Chennai?
6. Tania will not be trying out for the relay this year.
7. Sandhya will be helping us with the arrangements for tomorrow, as Theena will not be able to do it.
8. Will Irene be leading the drill on Sports Day?
9. Will they not be performing Don’t Stop Believing for the Sectionals?
10. The students will be participating in the extracurricular activities organised by the senior students on Children’s Day.
Frequently Asked Questions on the Future Continuous Tense
What is the future continuous tense?
The future continuous tense is generally used to represent an event or action that is happening at a certain point in time in the future. The tense is also called the future progressive tense, as it denotes an action or event that is progressing or continuing at a particular time in the future.
What is the definition of the future continuous tense?
The future continuous tense, according to the Cambridge Dictionary, is defined as a tense that is used to “refer to temporary actions and events that will be in progress at a particular time in the future.” According to the Collins Dictionary, the future continuous tense is used “to suggest that something is about to happen or will happen at some time that is not clear or precise.”
What is the formula of the future continuous tense?
The formula of the future continuous tense is as follows:
Subject + Helping verbs (will + be) + present participle form of the verb + the rest of
the sentence.
What are the uses of the future continuous tense?
The future continuous tense can be used to perform the following functions:
- Denote an action that takes place at a specific time in the future.
- Also used to express an action that will take place over a period of time and does not happen all at once in that time.
- To compare between the present and the future.
- To indicate that there is more than one action taking place at the same point in time in the future.
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