The future continuous tense is used to describe actions that will be ongoing or in progress at a specific point in the future. It emphasizes the continuity or duration of an action at a certain time.
Structure
The structure of the future continuous tense is:
Subject + will be + verb(-ing) + object
Usage of future continuous tense:
1. To indicate an action that will be in progress at a specific time in the future
It is often used to describe what someone will be doing at a particular time in the future.
- Example: At 8 p.m. tonight, I will be studying.
- (This means that at 8 p.m., the action of studying will be ongoing.)
2. To describe planned future activities
It can also express something already arranged or expected to happen in the future.
- Example: She will be meeting with her team tomorrow afternoon.
- (This suggests a scheduled or expected activity.)
3. To express polite inquiries about someone’s plans
Often used for polite questions about someone’s future activities or intentions.
- Example: Will you be joining us for dinner?
- (This is a polite way to ask about someone’s plans.)
Examples
- This time tomorrow, we will be flying to New York.
- Next week, they will be attending a conference.
- She will be working late on Friday.
Time Expressions Often Used
Common time expressions with the future continuous tense include:
- at this time + future day: at this time tomorrow, at this time next week
- next + time period: next week, next month
- in + duration: in two hours, in a few days
Key Points
- Emphasizes an action that will be in progress at a specific future time.
- Requires will be followed by a verb in the -ing form (present participle).
The future continuous tense is useful for describing the future as a point when certain actions will be actively happening, adding a sense of duration and expectation to future plans.