Future continuous: an activity in progress later

The idea

Use will be + -ing for every subject. Negatives use won't be; questions put will before the subject. The form can describe activity in progress, a temporary future routine or an expected part of someone's plans: Will you be driving past...?

Examples

• At seven tomorrow, I'll be cycling along the canal.
• She'll be working from the library next week.
• We won't be using the kitchen during the repairs.
• Will you be driving past the post office later?
• When the visitors arrive, I'll be showing another group around.
• This time tomorrow, the team will be testing the new lights.

Watch out

Keep be in the base form after will: not will is working. The continuous does not say that a job will be finished by the reference point. In an ordinary future time clause with when, use present simple: When the visitors arrive, not when they will arrive.

Try it yourself

1. Choose the correct option. At seven tomorrow, I'll ___ cycling along the canal. (be / am)

   Show answer or example answer

   be

   After will or 'll, use base-form be. Will be cycling presents the ride as in progress at seven.

2. Choose the correct option. We won't be ___ the kitchen during the repairs. (use / using)

   Show answer or example answer

   using

   After won't be, the continuous uses using. The negative says kitchen use will not be taking place.

3. How is testing presented at that future moment? This time tomorrow, the team will be testing the new lights. (finished / in progress)

   Show answer or example answer

   in progress

   In progress is correct. The future continuous presents the testing as happening at that time, without asserting completion.

Use it today

Choose two times tomorrow and describe what you expect to be doing then. Add one activity you will not be doing and a question about another person's expected plans.