Future continuous

Form

The future continuous is made up of two elements:

the simple future of the verb 'to be' + the present participle (base+ing)

To stay, future continuous

Functions

The future continuous refers to an unfinished action or event that will be in progress at a time later than now. The future continuous is used for quite a few different purposes.

The future continuous can be used to project ourselves into the future.

Examples

This time next week I will be sun-bathing in Bali.

By Christmas I will be skiing like a pro.

Just think, next Monday you will be working in your new job.

The future continuous can be used for predicting or guessing about future events.

Examples

He'll be coming to the meeting, I expect.

I guess you'll be feeling thirsty after working in the sun.

You'll be missing the sunshine once you're back in England.

In the interrogative form, the future continuous can be used to ask politely for information about the future.

Examples

Will you be bringing your friend to the pub tonight?

Will Jim be coming with us?

Will she be going to the party tonight?

Will I be sleeping in this room?

The future continuous can be used to refer to continuous events that we expect to happen in the future.

Examples

I'll be seeing Jim at the conference next week.

When he is in Australia he will be staying with friends.

I'll be eating with Jane this evening so I can tell her.

When combined with still, the future continuous refers to events that are already happening now and that we expect to continue some time into the future.

Examples

In an hour I'll still be ironing my clothes.

Tomorrow he'll still be suffering from his cold.

Next year will she still be wearing a size six?

Won't stock prices still be falling in the morning?

Unfortunately, sea levels will still be rising in 20 years.