The future continuous tense is an important part of the English language just like the future indefinite tense. We use it to describe actions that will be ongoing at a specific point in the future.
1. By this time tomorrow, she _____ on her way to Paris.
Scroll down for more questions!
In this blog, we will discuss the definition, formation, and usage of the future continuous tense rules with examples and an exercise to help you practice and improve your understanding of this important tense.
Future Continuous Tense Definition
We also call the future continuous tense the future progressive tense in English grammar. We use it to indicate an action that will be happening in the future for a certain period.
We commonly use this tense to describe events or actions that will be in progress at a specific time in the future.
We also use it to predict that something will be happening over a certain period of time in the future.
Formation of Future Continuous Tense
We use the auxiliary verb “Will” to form future continuous tense sentences. Here “Will” follows “Be” with the present participle form (V1 + Ing) or (base verb + -Ing. The basic structure is as follows:
Assertive Sentences in Future Continuous Tense
Subject + will + be + Present Participle (V1 + ING)
|
Subjects |
Will |
Be |
V1 + ING |
|
I |
Will |
Be |
Learning |
|
They |
Will |
Be |
Writing |
Examples of Future Continuous Tense in Affirmative Sentences
Here are some examples of future continuous tense in affirmative sentences:
1) She will be working at the new office next month.
2) They will be traveling to Europe during the summer.
3) At this time tomorrow, I will be presenting my report to the board.
4) We will be celebrating our anniversary in Paris.
Negative Sentences in Future Continuous Tense
Subject + will + Not +be + Present Participle (V1 + ING)
|
Subjects |
Will |
Not |
Be |
V1 + ING |
|
I |
Will |
Not |
Be |
Learning |
|
They |
Will |
Not |
Be |
Writing |
Examples of Future Continuous Tense in Negative Sentences
For negative sentences, add ‘not’ between ‘will’ and ‘be.’ Here are some Future continuous tense sentences examples:
1) I will not be attending the conference next week.
2) He will not be playing basketball this evening.
3) They will not be studying for the exam tomorrow.
4) She will not be watching the movie with us tonight.
Interrogative Sentences in Future Continuous Tense
W.H.F + will + Subject + be + Present Participle (V1 + ING)
|
W.H.F |
Will |
Subjects |
Be |
V1 + ING |
? |
|
What |
Will |
You |
Be |
Learning |
? |
|
Why |
Will |
They |
Be |
Writing |
? |
Future Continuous Tense Examples in Interrogative Sentences
For interrogative sentences, place ‘will’ before the subject. Here are some examples:
1) Will you be joining us for dinner tomorrow?
2) How will they be traveling by train or plane?
3) Why will she be working late tonight?
4) Where will Roma be working the next year?
Usage of Future Continuous Tense
The future continuous tense is used in various situations, such as:
1) To show an action that will be in progress in the future at a specific time.
2) To express an ongoing action that will happen in the future as a result of a current plan or intention.
3) To predict that something will be happening over a certain period of time in the future.
4) To ask politely about someone’s future plans.
Fill in the Blanks with the correct form in future continuous tense exercise.
2. I _____ working on my project all day tomorrow.
3. They _____ their new house next month.
4. This time next week, we _____ in Japan.
5. By the time my father comes, I _____ English.
6. He _____ his exam this time next year.
7. We _____ on vacation in Hawaii next summer.
8. By the time I finish my degree, I _____ for five years.
9. They _____ a party next weekend.
10. She _____ the marathon at this time tomorrow.
11. By next year, he _____ as a doctor in New York.
12. We _____ this movie tonight.
13. They _____ their new house by next month.
14. By this time next week, I _____ my exams.
15. She _____ at the conference all day tomorrow.
16. By the time you wake up, I _____ for hours.
17. They _____ their dream vacation next month.
18. Why _____ a new car by next year?
19. By this time tomorrow, he _____ the final touches on the project
20. When _____ a wedding?
Fill in the Blanks with the correct form in future continuous tense exercise.
Complete the following future continuous tense exercise with answers using the correct form of the future continuous tense:
1) At 7 pm tonight, I __________ (cook) dinner.
2) Next year, they __________ (study) abroad.
3) She __________ (not, work) tomorrow.
4) __________ (Neha, join) us for the meeting next Monday?
5) He __________ (practice) the piano every day next month.
Answer Key to Exercise
1) At 7 pm tonight, I will be cooking dinner.
2) Next year, they will be studying abroad.
3) She will not be working tomorrow.
4) Will Neha be joining us for the meeting next Monday?
5) He will be practicing the piano every day next month.
Frequently asked questions FAQs
Q1. What is the future continuous tense?
The future continuous tense is a verb tense used to describe an action that will be ongoing at a specific time in the future. We form this tense with a modal verb “Will” followed by “be” and the present participle (V1 + ING).
For example,
The teacher will be teaching his students.
Q2. Where can we use the future continuous tense?
The future continuous tense can be used in a variety of situations, such as:
1) To describe an action that will be ongoing at a specific time in the future, as mentioned above.
2) To make a prediction about the future based on present evidence or information.
3) To describe an action that will be happening for a duration of time in the future.
4) To describe a planned event or arrangement in the future.
Q3. What is the difference between future indefinite tense and future continuous tense?
You may have confusion about the difference between future indefinite tense and future continuous tense. You can differentiate them here.
We use the future indefinite tense to describe a future action that will happen, but the exact time is not specified. We form future indefinite tense sentences as follows.
All the subjects + Will + Present Form (V1)
For example,
I will eat pizza tomorrow.
On the other hand, we use the future continuous tense to describe a future action that will be ongoing at a specific time. We use the auxiliary verb “Will” to form future continuous tense sentences.
Here “Will” follows “Be” with the present participle form (V1 + ING).
All the subject + will + be + Present Participle (V1 + ING)
For example,
She will be working at the new office next month.
Conclusion
Understanding and using the future continuous tense is necessary for effectively displaying actions that will be happening in the future. By learning the formation and usage of this tense, along with practicing the Future Perfect Tense through exercises, you can improve your English language skills and express yourself more accurately.
Remember to keep practicing and reviewing, and soon the future continuous tense will become second nature to you.
