subject + will + be + verb-ingSame structure for all subjects. The main action appears in the -ing form after be.
Future Continuous
B1Future Continuous shows an action that will be in progress at a specific future time. Form it with will be + verb-ing.
What you'll learn
- Build sentences with will be + verb-ing.
- Make negatives with won't be + verb-ing.
- Ask questions with Will + subject + be + verb-ing.
- Use it for actions in progress at a future moment.
- Recognize markers like this time tomorrow or at 8 p.m.
Structure
subject + will not + be + verb-ingKeep be in the negative form. You can also use won't instead of will not.
Will + subject + be + verb-ing + ?In yes/no questions, will moves to the front. Do not drop be.
Build a sentence
Subject
Verb
Shewillbe traveling
She will be traveling at 8 tomorrow.
The form is the same with she: will be + verb-ing.
When to use
In progress later
Use it when you look at a future moment and describe what will already be happening then. At 10 tomorrow, Lisa will be flying to Chicago.
Planned activity
Use it for arranged or expected activities around a future time. We’ll be meeting the clients after lunch.
Background action
Use it to set the background for another future action. When you arrive, Tom will be waiting outside.
Markers
this time tomorrowat 8 tomorrowtomorrow morningwhen you arriveat midnightnext Friday at noon
Spelling
verb ends in silent -e
→ drop -e, add -ingwrite → writingshort stressed vowel + final consonant
→ double consonant, add -ingsit → sittingverb ends in -ie
→ ie → y + inglie → lyingIn contrast
vs will-future
Will future gives a future fact, decision, or prediction: I will cook later. Future Continuous shows the action in progress at a future time: I will be cooking at 7.
vs future-perfect
Future Continuous focuses on the middle of an action at a future time. Future Perfect focuses on something finished before that future time.
Common mistakes
Wrong
At 8 p.m., Anna will working.
Correct
At 8 p.m., Anna will be working.
Future Continuous needs be between will and the -ing form.
Wrong
This time tomorrow, Tom will be work.
Correct
This time tomorrow, Tom will be working.
After be, use the -ing form, not the base verb.
Wrong
She won't waiting for us at six.
Correct
She won't be waiting for us at six.
The negative form is won't be + verb-ing, not won't + verb-ing.
Wrong
Will you traveling tomorrow morning?
Correct
Will you be traveling tomorrow morning?
Questions keep be before the -ing form.
Wrong
Don't call at 7. I will cook dinner.
Correct
Don't call at 7. I will be cooking dinner.
At 7 points to an action in progress at that future moment, so use Future Continuous.
Common misconceptions
❝ I need different future continuous forms for I, he, and they. ❞
You do not. Future Continuous uses the same pattern for all subjects: will be + verb-ing.
❝ Future Continuous is only for very long actions. ❞
It is for any action seen as in progress at a future time, long or short.
Skills in this rule (6)
WILL_BE_ING_FORMw5Build Future Continuous with will be + verb-ing
Use will be and the -ing form to show an action in progress at a future time. The structure stays the same for all subjects.
NEGATIVE_WONT_BE_INGw5Make negatives with will not be + verb-ing
Use will not or won't before be, then add the -ing form. Keep be in the sentence.
QUESTION_WILL_SUBJECT_BE_INGw5Ask questions with Will + subject + be + verb-ing
Start the question with will, put the subject next, then be and the -ing form. Keep all parts of the pattern.
USE_AT_A_FUTURE_TIMEw4Use Future Continuous for an action in progress at a future time
Choose this form when you focus on what will be happening at a specific future moment such as at 8 p.m. or this time tomorrow.
PICK_FUTURE_TIME_MARKERSw3Recognize future time markers that fit Future Continuous
Look for markers like this time tomorrow, at 8 p.m. tomorrow, or when you arrive. They point to an action already in progress in the future.
PROGRESS_AT_TIME_NOT_SIMPLE_FUTUREw4Choose Future Continuous when the focus is progress, not just a future fact
Use will + base verb for a simple future fact or decision. Use Future Continuous when you want the picture of an action already happening at that future time.