Future Continuous Tense (Formula, Rules, Examples, & Exercise)

The future continuous tense, a fascinating aspect of English grammar, invites us to envisage actions unfolding over time in the future. It’s a lens through which we view ongoing or prolonged activities set to occur, providing a dynamic and vivid way to express future plans, events, or actions in progress at a specific moment.

Definition

The future continuous tense is used to describe actions that will be ongoing at a specific time in the future. It paints a picture of activities that will unfold over a period, highlighting their continuous nature and setting the stage for future narratives.

Formula/Structure

Formulating sentences in the future continuous tense involves the subject, followed by “will be” and the verb ending in -ing. This structure elegantly captures the essence of actions extending into the future. Here’s the breakdown:

• Affirmative: Subject + will be + verb(-ing)
  • Example: “I will be traveling to Italy next summer.”
• Negative: Subject + will not (won’t) be + verb(-ing)
  • Example: “She won’t be using her phone during the lecture.”
• Interrogative: Will + subject + be + verb(-ing)?
  • Example: “Will you be joining us for dinner?”

Rules with Examples

• Consistent use of ‘will be’: Unlike other tenses, “will be” is used for all subjects. “They will be staying at the grand hotel.”
• Expressing future actions at a specific time: Use this tense for actions that will be happening at a future moment. “At 10 AM tomorrow, I will be giving a presentation.”
• Describing parallel future actions: It can also describe multiple actions happening simultaneously in the future. “This time next week, I will be sitting on the beach, sipping a cool drink.”

How to Make Future Continuous Tense?

1. Positive Future Continuous Tense

Express actions that will be in progress at a specific future time.

2. Negative Future Continuous Tense

Denote that an action will not be happening at a particular future time.

3. Interrogative Future Continuous Tense

Ask about actions that will or will not be in progress at a future moment.

Examples of Future Continuous Tense

Examples of Positive Future Continuous Tense

1. “This time next year, I will be studying abroad.”
2. “Tomorrow at 9 PM, they will be watching the fireworks.”
3. “He will be working all weekend.”
4. “We will be driving through the countryside on our holiday.”
5. “At noon, she will be having lunch with her colleagues.”
6. “The team will be practicing in the field in the morning.”
7. “You will be waiting for the results this time tomorrow.”
8. “The conference will be starting at 10 o’clock sharp.”
9. “I will be thinking of you during my journey.”
10. “They will be celebrating their anniversary at that time.”

Examples of Negative Future Continuous Tense

1. “I won’t be going to the party tonight.”
2. “She won’t be using her car next week.”
3. “We won’t be staying late at the office tomorrow.”
4. “He won’t be attending the meeting on Friday.”
5. “They won’t be playing in the tournament.”
6. “You won’t be needing your umbrella; it’s not going to rain.”
7. “The shop won’t be opening early on Sunday.”
8. “I won’t be making any major decisions until next month.”
9. “She won’t be watching TV tonight; she has to study.”
10. “We won’t be flying direct; there’s a layover.”

Examples of Interrogative Future Continuous Tense

1. “Will you be using this room tomorrow morning?”
2. “Will he be joining us for the trip?”
3. “Will they be staying at the same hotel?”
4. “Will she be studying at the library this afternoon?”
5. “Will we be meeting in the same conference room?”
6. “Will it be raining all day tomorrow?”
7. “Will the children be sleeping when we arrive?”
8. “Will you be driving to work next week?”
9. “Will the project be continuing into the next quarter?”
10. “Will I be seeing you at the event?”

Exercise of Future Continuous Tense With Answers

Questions

1. This time tomorrow, I (to fly) to New York.
2. At 8 o’clock tonight, she (not to study); she (to watch) a movie.
3. (you to wait) for me when my train arrives?
4. He (to work) late tonight, so he won’t join us.
5. What (they to do) this weekend?
6. We (not to use) the car next week because it’s in for repair.
7. At this time next year, she (to attend) university.
8. (it to snow) when we get there?
9. Why (he not to participate) in the discussion tomorrow?
10. They (to renovate) their house at this time next month.

Answers

1. This time tomorrow, I will be flying to New York.
2. At 8 o’clock tonight, she won’t be studying; she will be watching a movie.
3. Will you be waiting for me when my train arrives?
4. He will be working late tonight, so he won’t join us.
5. What will they be doing this weekend?
6. We won’t be using the car next week because it’s in for repair.
7. At this time next year, she will be attending university.
8. Will it be snowing when we get there?
9. Why won’t he be participating in the discussion tomorrow?
10. They will be renovating their house at this time next month.

The future continuous tense offers a vibrant tapestry for expressing ongoing future actions, infusing our language with a sense of motion and continuity. By mastering this tense, you can effectively convey the unfolding of future events, painting vivid pictures of what lies ahead.