future continuous

Flowchart nodes

• Future continuous

• definition

• 10 examples

• uses

• The future continuous tense is a verb tense that shows an action happening over a period of time in the future. “I will be dancing all night” is an example of the future continuous tense, as it indicates an action continuing over a specific future period of time. Compare it to this sentence, written in the simple future tense: “I will dance.” Although this example indicates an intention to dance in the future, it does not refer to a continuous action over a specific period of time in the future.

• 1 To describe a future action happening during a specific time As we talked about above, the future continuous tense is often used with specified times.  We will be watching horror movies from dusk until dawn.  The museum will be hosting a special tour at 8 p.m.  2 To describe multiple future actions happening at the same time When more than one action is happening in the future and at least one action is ongoing, use the future continuous tense.  My brother will be babysitting while I’m at work.  I’ll be playing basketball on Sunday, and my partner will be playing tennis.  3 To describe a future action interrupted by another action In a situation involving multiple future actions and one action interrupting another, use the future continuous tense for the action being interrupted, and use the simple present for the action that interrupts.  This construction is often used with a subordinate clause beginning with when.  I will be taking a shower when the guests arrive.  When the clock strikes midnight, we will be drinking champagne.  4  To describe likely hypothetical situations in the future All future events are hypothetical, so you can use any future tense to describe them. However, use the future continuous tense for hypothetical events that seem likely—or that you want to seem likely.  Everyone will be cheering for me at the game tomorrow.  We’ll be driving hover cars any day now.  For more details on using the future continuous tense and other tenses, check out our free grammar guide. 

• I will be writing the letter tomorrow. The baby will be playing the whole night. I will be helping my mother to make breakfast. Sheldon will be eating the cake later. Penny will be running in the marathon tomorrow. She will be taking her dog for a walk. Ritz will be coming to our place soon. My mother won’t be working tomorrow. The series won’t be releasing this month. Who will be waiting for John at the railway station?