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If one has learnt the Simple Future tense properly, then it will be easy for them to learn about the Future Continuous Tense. In this article, students will learn about the definition, examples and basics of Future Continuous Tense. Read the article below to get mastered in tenses.
Also Check: Simple Present Tense
Future Continuous Tense Meaning
The Future Continuous Tense, also known as the Future Progressive Tense, is a grammatical tense used to describe actions or events that will be ongoing or in progress at a specific point in the future. It is formed by using the auxiliary verb “will” or “shall” followed by the present participle of the main verb (e.g., “will be running,” “shall be studying”).
Future Continuous Tense Definition
Many dictionaries define Future Continuous Tense as per their understanding. Oxford Dictionary defines it as “The future continuous tense is a verb tense that is used to describe an ongoing action that will take place at a specific time in the future.” while Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines it as “The future continuous tense is a verb tense used to describe an ongoing action or event that will be happening at a specific point or period in the future” and Cambridge Dictionary use the following definition “The future continuous tense is a verb form used to describe actions or events that will be in progress at a particular time in the future.”
Also Check: Present Continuous Tense
Future Continuous Tense Structure
Future Continuous Tense follows different structures in positive, negative, and interrogative situations. Below are the proper structures explained, along with examples. Please study these properly for a better understanding.
Positive
Subject + Helping verb (will + be) + Present participle form of the verb + Rest of the sentence
Example: Balu will be performing at the inter-school event in JK School.
Negative
Subject + Will not be / Won’t be + Present participle form of the verb + Rest of the sentence.
Example: Balu will not be performing at the inter-school event in JK School.
(or) Balu won’t be performing at the inter-school event in JK School.
Also Check: Present Perfect Continuous Tense
Interrogative
Will + Subject + Be + Present participle form of the verb + Rest of the sentence
Example: Will Balu be performing at the inter-school event in JK School?
Negative Interrogative
Will + Subject + not + be + Present participle form of the verb + Rest of the sentence
(or) Won’t + Subject + be + Present participle form of the verb + Rest of the sentence
Example: Will Balu not be performing at the inter-school event in JK School?
(or) Won’t Balu be performing at the inter-school event in JK School?
Also Check: Simple Past Tense
Rules to follow while using Future Continuous Tense
Below are the basic rules to follow while using Future Continuous Tense. One must always follow them every time they are used in their sentences.
- Formation: The future continuous tense is formed using the helping verbs “will” and “be,” followed by the present participle form of the main verb (adding “-ing” to the end of the verb).
- Negative Form: To make the future continuous tense negative, add “not” after “will.”
- Interrogative Form: In interrogative sentences, begin with “will,” followed by the subject, “be,” and the present participle form of the verb.
- Action Verbs Only: The future continuous tense is used only with action verbs and not with stative verbs. Action verbs denote actions that can be performed for a specific duration.
- Continuous Action: The action mentioned in the future continuous tense would have started earlier but will not be completed at a particular point in time in the future.
Also Check: Past Continuous Tense
Why use the Future Continuous Tense
Denoting an Action in the Future: The future continuous tense is used to indicate an action that will be ongoing or in progress at a specific time in the future. For example, “At 8 PM tomorrow, I will be studying for my exam.”
Expressing Duration of an Action: It is also used to express an action that will be happening over a period of time in the future and does not occur all at once. For instance, “Tomorrow evening, we will be travelling to the beach for vacation.”
Comparing Present and Future: The future continuous tense can be employed to compare the present and the future. For example, “She is studying now, but tomorrow at this time, she will be attending a concert.”
Indicating Concurrent Actions: Additionally, it indicates that there will be more than one action happening simultaneously at the same point in time in the future. For instance, “This time next year, I will be working on my thesis while my friend will be travelling abroad.”
Also Check: Past Perfect Tense
Future Continuous Tense Worksheet
Questions:
- What _______ (you/do) at 8 o’clock tomorrow morning?
- At this time next week, we _______ (have) a party.
- She _______ (run) in the marathon next Sunday.
- They _______ (play) football in the park this time tomorrow.
- I _______ (study) for my exams at this time next month.
- By this time tomorrow, the students _______ (write) their exam.
- What _______ (you/cook) for dinner tonight?
- The workers _______ (paint) the walls of the house tomorrow.
- At 10 PM tonight, he _______ (watch) a movie with his friends.
- She _______ (dance) on stage at the concert next Saturday.
- What _______ (you/do) next weekend?
- By this time next year, we _______ (travel) to Europe.
- They _______ (have) a picnic in the park tomorrow afternoon.
- The chef _______ (prepare) delicious dishes for the event next month.
- He _______ (read) a book in the library at 3 PM tomorrow.
- What _______ (you/wear) to the party next Friday?
- At this time next month, the flowers _______ (bloom) beautifully.
- The students _______ (attend) a workshop next weekend.
- We _______ (hike) in the mountains next summer.
- By the end of the year, she _______ (complete) her project.
- What _______ (you/eat) for breakfast tomorrow?
- He _______ (work) on his project all day next Sunday.
- The birds _______ (sing) in the garden at sunrise tomorrow.
- They _______ (celebrate) their anniversary next week.
- I _______ (visit) my grandparents next month.
- What _______ (you/say) to him when you meet him?
- By this time next year, they _______ (live) in a new house.
- She _______ (practice) the piano at 6 PM tomorrow.
- The athletes _______ (compete) in the tournament next weekend.
- What _______ (you/watch) on TV tonight?
Answers:
- will you be doing
- will be having
- will be running
- will be playing
- will be studying
- will be writing
- will you be cooking
- will be painting
- will be watching
- will be dancing
- will you be doing
- will be traveling
- will be having
- will be preparing
- will be reading
- will you be wearing
- will be blooming
- will be attending
- will be hiking
- will have completed
- will you be eating
- will be working
- will be singing
- will be celebrating
- will be visiting
- will you be saying
- will be living
- will be practicing
- will be competing
- will you be watching
Also Check: Past Perfect Continuous Tense
Future Continuous Tense: FAQs
What is the Future Continuous Tense?
The Future Continuous Tense is used to talk about actions that will be happening at a specific time in the future. It focuses on the process or duration of the activity rather than its completion. This tense gives the sense that an action will be ongoing or in progress at a certain moment in the future.
When do we use the Future Continuous Tense?
We use the Future Continuous Tense to describe actions that will be happening at a particular time in the future. It is often used to set the scene in stories about the future or to talk about plans and arrangements. This tense can also be used to predict or guess what might be happening now, at this moment, even though we are not there.
How do we form sentences in the Future Continuous Tense?
To form sentences in the Future Continuous Tense, we use the subject followed by will be and the base form of the verb with an -ing ending. For example, we will be watching a movie. The structure remains the same regardless of the subject, making it relatively simple to construct sentences in this tense.
What is a future continuous tense with examples?
The Future Continuous Tense indicates that an action will be in progress at a certain point in the future. For example, at 8 PM tonight, I will be having dinner. This sentence shows that the action of having dinner will be happening at a specific time in the future. Another example is tomorrow at this time, she will be flying to New York, which suggests that the action of flying will be taking place at a particular time the next day.
What is the difference between future continuous and present continuous?
The main difference between the Future Continuous and Present Continuous tenses is the time reference. The Present Continuous Tense describes actions that are happening right now or around the present moment. For instance, I am reading a book indicates that the action of reading is currently in progress. On the other hand, the Future Continuous Tense describes actions that will be happening at a specific time in the future. For example, I will be reading a book tomorrow evening shows that the action of reading will be in progress at a future time.
