The Future Progressive

When do we need the Future Progressive?

Remember that this tense is used less than 5% of the time - so don't overuse it!

When we do use it, it is:

  • for an action that will be going on at a definite time in the future.
    • We use the Future Progressive to say we will be in the middle of doing something at a certain time in the future. e.g. "This time next week we will be working on a new project."
  • to talk about things that are already planned or decided.
    • It is often used to ask about people's plans, especially if we want something from them. "Will you be going home early tonight? Can I have a ride?"

Diagram

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General Overview

Special rules

  • The Future Progressive is often used with "when" or "by the time" clauses. Although the sentence is in the future, the Present Simple is used in the clause. E.g. "When you get here I will be working." or "By the time you get here I will be working."
  • Progressives are not usually used for abstract verbs (verbs of feeling, thinking, possession & sense, as well as auxiliary verbs)

How do I make the tense?

The Future Progressive is formed with the helping verb "will be" and the -ing form of the verb.

Here are examples of:

 

Statements:

  • By the time you get here I will be working.
  • By the time I get here you will be working.
  • By the time you get here she will be working.
  • By the time you get here he will be working.
  • By the time you get here it will be working.
  • By the time he gets here we will be working.
  • By the time you get here they will be working.

Questions:

  • Will I be working when you arrive?
  • Will you be working when I arrive?
  • Will she be working when I arrive?
  • Will he be working when I arrive?
  • Will it be working when I arrive?
  • Will we be working when he arrives?
  • Will they be working when she arrives?

Negatives:

  • I will not be working when she arrives.
  • You will not be working when she arrives.
  • She will not be working when he arrives..
  • He will not be working when she arrives.
  • It will not be working when she arrives.
  • We will not be working when she arrives.
  • They will not be working when she arrives.

Short answers

  • Yes, I will be.
  • Yes, she will be.
  • No, I will not be.
  • No, I won't be.
  • No, she will not be.
  • No, she won't be.