Grammar: Verb Tenses
B2 Lesson 5: Future Continuous
Why It Matters: Adding Detail to the Future
The Future Continuous tense allows you to paint a picture in the future. It describes an action that will be in progress at a specific future time.
"I will watch a movie tomorrow."
(This is a general plan or intention.)
"At 9 PM tomorrow, I will be watching a movie."
(This describes the action in progress at that exact moment.)
The Grammar Rules 📖
Rule 1: The Structure
The structure is simple and does not change for different subjects.
Subject + will be + Verb-ing
| Positive | This time tomorrow, I will be relaxing on the beach. |
| Negative | I won't be watching TV at 9 PM; I'll be studying. |
| Question | Will you be using your computer this evening? |
Rule 2: The Two Main Uses
Use 1: An Action in Progress at a Future Time
We imagine a specific point in the future and describe the ongoing action. This is why we almost always use a future time expression.
- "At 8 PM tonight, we will be having dinner in Battambang."
- "This time next week, she will be flying to South Korea."
Use 2: Polite Questions about Plans
We can use this tense to ask about someone's plans in a more indirect and polite way.
- Direct: "Are you going to use the car tonight?"
- Polite: "Will you be using the car tonight?"
Practice Your Grammar 🎯
Exercise: Choose the Correct Verb Form
Choose the best verb form to complete each sentence.
- This time next month, I _______ on a beach in Kep! (relax / will be relaxing)
- "Can I call you at 10 PM?" "No, I _______ by then." (will be sleeping / will sleep)
- _______ you _______ your motorbike this afternoon, or can I borrow it? (Will / be using)
- Don't worry, I _______ you with your homework after I finish my work. (will help / will be helping)
(Future Simple is better for a spontaneous promise.)
Your Grammar Mission ⭐
Imagine Your Future
Answer these questions with your own ideas using the Future Continuous.
- What will you be doing at 8 PM tonight?
(Example: At 8 PM tonight, I will probably be watching a movie.) - Think about this exact time, one year from now. What will you be doing?
(Example: This time next year, I will be working at my new job.) - Write a polite question to ask your friend about their plans for the weekend.
(Example: Will you be visiting your family this weekend?)
Key Vocabulary
- Future Continuous A tense for an action that will be in progress at a specific time in the future.
- In progress Happening at a particular moment; not finished.
- Specific Clearly defined or identified; particular.
- Polite Having good manners and showing respect for others.