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Unit 07
Future Continuous
will be + -ing
What is the Future Continuous?
The Future Continuous describes an action that will be in progress at a specific time in the future. It helps you picture the future as if you are watching it happen — like a camera panning over a future scene.
I'll be working at 8 p.m. tonight. — At that moment, working will be in progress.
Form
| Type | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Affirmative | Subject + will be + verb-ing | I 'll be studying at 10 p.m. |
| Negative | Subject + won't be + verb-ing | She won't be sleeping at midnight. |
| Question | Will + subject + be + verb-ing? | Will you be joining us for dinner? |
| Short answer | Yes/No + subject + will | Yes, I will. / No, she won't. |
Four Key Uses
| Use | Explanation | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Action in progress at a future time | Something will be happening at a specific moment | I 'll be working at 9 tomorrow morning. |
| Two parallel future actions | Two things happening at the same time in the future | She 'll be studying while I 'll be cooking. |
| Polite enquiry about plans | Asking about arrangements without pressure | Will you be using the car later? |
| Predicting a future routine | What will normally be happening at a future time | Don't call at noon — she 'll be having lunch. |
Signal Words
- this time tomorrow / next week / next year — This time tomorrow, I'll be flying to London.
- at + specific time — At 9 a.m., she'll be presenting the report.
- when — They'll be watching TV when we arrive.
- while — While you're sleeping, I'll be driving.
- soon / later today / tonight — Don't call tonight — I'll be working late.
Future Simple vs Future Continuous
| Future Simple (will) | Future Continuous (will be + -ing) |
|---|---|
| A single completed future action | An ongoing future action at a moment in time |
| Decision, promise, or fact | Background action, duration, or in-progress scene |
| I'll start work at 9. | I'll be working at 9. |
| Signal: soon, tomorrow, next week | Signal: at (time), this time next week, when |
No "Will" after When, While, Before, Until
In time clauses about the future, use a present tense, not will:
| ✅ Correct | ❌ Wrong |
|---|---|
| I'll be waiting when you arrive. | I'll be waiting when you will arrive. |
| She'll be working while we are on holiday. | ... while we will be on holiday. |
| Call me before you leave. | Call me before you will leave. |
"As a Matter of Course"
We also use the Future Continuous for something that will happen anyway, as part of the normal routine — not because we decided or arranged it:
- I'll be seeing Ali at work tomorrow, so I can give him the book.
- The train will be stopping at Ankara and Eskişehir.
- Will you be going to the shops later? Could you get me some milk? (polite — no pressure)
Annotated Examples
Subject
Verb
Auxiliary
Object
Adjective
Adverb
Preposition
Hover over any word to see its role.
adverbAt 9 a.m.adverbtomorrow,subjectIverb'll be drivingprepositionto work.
↳ In progress at a specific future time.
adverbThis time next year,subjectweverb'll be livingprepositionin our new house.
↳ Future scene — imagining what will be happening.
auxiliaryWillsubjectyouverbbe usingobjectthe caradverbtonight?
↳ Polite enquiry — asking without pressure.
Common Mistakes
I will working tomorrow.
→
I will be working tomorrow.
Must include "be": will be + -ing.
She won't study at 8 p.m. (= she will be busy with something else then)
→
She won't be studying at 8 p.m.
For an action (not) in progress at a future moment, use won't be + -ing.
Will you studying later?
→
Will you be studying later?
Missing "be" in the question form.
I'll be study when you come.
→
I'll be studying when you come.
-ing form needed after "will be": studying.
They will watching TV.
→
They will be watching TV.
Missing "be" — will be watching.
I'll be waiting when you will arrive.
→
I'll be waiting when you arrive.
No "will" after when/while/before in future time clauses.