Learning English

Future Continuous

Do you know the future? Of course, nobody can really predict exactly what's going to happen in the future. But we all have routines, plans and expectations and we talk about these in English with different future forms.

One of these forms is the future continuous.

We use this:

1. When we know that we will be in the middle of something at a particular time in the future.
   
   This time next week I'll be taking my driving test.
   I'll be watching the match tomorrow afternoon, so I can't come around until the evening.
   I'll be thinking of you when you go into hospital.
   
   
   
2. When we talk about things that are already planned.
   
   I'll be going shopping later, do you want anything?
   I won't be using the car for work tomorrow, so you can have it if you want.
   Tom'll be seeing mum later, he can take the flowers.
   
   
   
3. When we have a good idea about what is happening now.
   
   Don't disturb dad now, he'll be having his afternoon sleep.
   It's Friday, she'll be playing golf. You'll need to wait to talk to her.
   It's 10 o'clock. She'll be doing her maths exam. I hope it's going well.
   I'm so jealous, right now he'll be lying on the beach having a great time while I'm stuck in the office.

Read the text and complete the activity

Making the future continuous

Positive
subject + 'll/will + be + present participle (-ing form)

We'll be arriving at about the same time as each other.

Negative
subject + won't/will not + be + present participle (-ing form)

I won't be playing football this weekend, I've got to go to the dentist.

Question form
Will/Won't + subject + be + present particple (-ing form)

Will you be doing anything special for your birthday this year?
Won't you be taking the same train?

To do

In the quiz you'll be making sentences using the future continuous. Use the information form this page to help.

Next

In the next session we look at another way of talking about the future, be + infinitive. You are to pay close attention!