Grammar: ⚙️ Verbs in Depth: ⏳ Perfect Continuous & Future Perfect Tenses (B2) - Lesson 5: Future Continuous (Actions in progress at a future time)

⚙️ Lesson 5: Future Continuous

We often talk about the future, but not just about actions that will start or finish. Sometimes we want to imagine ourselves in the middle of an action at a future time. For this, we use the Future Continuous¹ tense. It describes an action that will be in progress² at a specific³ time in the future.

The Structure: will be + -ing

The structure of the Future Continuous is simple and consistent. It does not change for different subjects.

Formula: Subject + will be + Verb-ing

• Positive: "This time tomorrow, I will be relaxing on the beach."
• Negative: "Don't call me at 9 PM. I won't be watching TV; I'll be studying."
• Question: "Will you be using your computer this evening?"

Use 1: An Action in Progress at a Future Time

This is the main use. We imagine a specific point in the future and describe the ongoing action at that moment. This is why we almost always use a future time expression.

"At 8 PM tonight, we will be having dinner at a restaurant in Battambang."

"This time next week, she will be flying to South Korea."

"You can't visit him in the afternoon. He will be working."

Use 2: Polite Questions about Plans

We can use the Future Continuous to ask about someone's plans in a more indirect and polite⁴ way. It sounds softer than asking "What are you going to do?".

Direct Question: "Are you going to use the car tonight?"
Polite Inquiry: "Will you be using the car tonight?" (This sounds like you might want to ask to borrow it).

Direct Question: "Are you going to the market later?"
Polite Inquiry: "Will you be going to the market later?" (This sounds like you might want to ask them to buy something for you).

🧠 Practice Quiz: Future Actions

Choose the best verb form to complete each sentence.

1. This time next month, I _______ on a beach in Kep! (relax / will be relaxing)
   Answer: will be relaxing (Describes an action in progress at a specific future time.)
2. "Can I call you at 10 PM?" "No, I _______ by then." (will be sleeping / will sleep)
   Answer: will be sleeping
3. _______ you _______ your motorbike this afternoon, or can I borrow it? (Will / be using)
   Answer: Will / be using (A polite question about plans.)
4. Don't worry, I _______ you with your homework after I finish my work. (will help / will be helping)
   Answer: will help (This is a spontaneous promise, so the Future Simple is best.)
5. At 11 AM tomorrow, my favourite football team _______. (will play / will be playing)
   Answer: will be playing

📝 Homework: Imagine Your Future

Answer these questions with your own ideas using the Future Continuous.

1. What will you be doing at 8 PM tonight?
   (Example: At 8 PM tonight, I will probably be watching a movie with my family.)
   _________________________________________
2. 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.)
   _________________________________________
3. Write a polite question to ask your friend about their plans for the weekend.
   (Example: Will you be visiting your family in the countryside this weekend?)
   _________________________________________

Vocabulary Glossary

1. Future Continuous: (Noun Phrase) - អនាគតកាលកំពុងបន្ត (â'néa'kât'tâ'kal kâmpŭng bântɔɔ) - A tense used to describe an action that will be in progress at a specific time in the future. ↩
2. In progress: (Adjective Phrase) - កំពុងដំណើរការ (kâmpŭng dâm'naeu'kaa) - Happening at this moment; not finished. ↩
3. Specific: (Adjective) - ជាក់លាក់ (cheăk'leăk) - Clearly defined or identified; particular. ↩
4. Polite: (Adjective) - សុភាព (so'phéap) - Having good manners and showing respect for others. ↩
5. Arrangement: (Noun) - ការរៀបចំ (kaa riəp'châm) - A plan for how something will happen, especially one made with others. ↩