Both the Future Continuous and Future Perfect tenses are fundamental grammar topics that frequently appear in English and are common in English exams. In this article, IDP will guide you through the definitions, structures, and applications of these tenses. We have also included useful sample exercises to help you master them with ease.
1. Overview of the Future Continuous and Future Perfect Tenses
Definitions
Future Continuous Tense
The Future Continuous tense is used to describe actions that will be in progress at a specific time in the future.
Examples:
I will be having breakfast at 7 a.m. tomorrow.
She will be doing her homework when her grandparents arrive tonight.
Future Perfect Tense
The Future Perfect tense is used to describe actions that will have been completed before a specific time or another action in the future.
Examples:
I will have made the meal ready before you come tomorrow.
When you come back, I will have typed this email.
2. Grammar Structures of the Future Continuous and Future Perfect Tenses
Sentence Type | Future Continuous | Future Perfect |
|---|---|---|
Affirmative | S + will + be + verb-ing | S + will + have + past participle |
Example | I will be working from tomorrow. | She will have completed the task by then. |
Negative | S + will not + be + verb-ing | S + will not + have + past participle |
Example | She won’t be studying at the end of the year. | Peter won’t have cooked dinner by the time we get home. |
Yes/No Question | Will + S + be + verb-ing ? | Will + S + have + past participle ? |
Example | Will Tam be living with you in July? | Will she have finished her homework by then? |
WH- Question | What/When/Where + will + S + be + verb-ing? | What/When/Where + will + S + have + past participle? |
Example | What will they be discussing? | Where will the thief have gone by then? |
3. Common Signal Words
Future Continuous | Future Perfect |
|---|---|
at + specific time in the future | by/before + specific time in the future |
at this time + future reference | by the end of + future period |
in + future year (e.g., in 2030) | when + clause in present simple |
in the future | before/by the time + clause in present simple |
when + another action interrupts |
4. How to Use the Future Continuous and Future Perfect Tenses
Future Continuous Tense
Usage | Example |
Action in progress at a specific future time | He will be traveling next Monday. |
Ongoing action interrupted by another future action | James will be studying when we arrive. |
Continuous action over a future period | They will still be waiting for the train. |
Scheduled or planned future event | Tomorrow, I will be working on my plans at 8 a.m. |
Polite inquiry about future plans | Will you be coming to the party tonight? |
Note: The interrupting action uses the present simple tense.
Future Perfect Tense
Usage | Example |
Action completed before a specific future time | I will have arrived at school by 8 AM. |
Action completed before another future action | When you come home, I will have finished cleaning. |
5. Practice Exercises – Future Continuous Tense
Exercise 1: Use the Future Continuous tense to complete the sentences
Peggy will be coming to the party on Saturday.
We will be meeting him tomorrow.
This time next week, he will be flying to South Africa.
At 6 o'clock on Friday, they will be singing the new song.
It will probably be raining when I reach Bangkok.
Tomorrow at nine, I will be writing a test.
Andy will be watching a video when I arrive.
You will be eating pizza soon.
She will be sleeping when you call her.
They will be arriving in Budapest just about now.
Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer
When we arrive in Los Angeles, we’ll need to rest because we ___ about 800 miles. A. will be driving
By the time you arrive, I ___ something special for dinner. C. will be cooking
When you get off the train, we ___ for you. B. I’ll be waiting
We ___ on the first train next Monday. A. I’ll be leaving
When I travel to England next year, I ___ English for over four years. C. will have studied
6. Practice Exercises – Future Perfect Tense
Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks to form WH- questions
A. How many books will they have read by the end of the month? B. How will she have managed to pack everything by 4 o'clock? C. What will the children have eaten by the morning? D. Who will I have met by midday? E. How many mushrooms will we have gathered before dark?
Exercise 2: Complete the sentences using the correct verb form
A. She will have left by three o’clock. B. Call me at eleven. The meeting will have finished. C. By next year, I will have known him for five years. D. Hopefully, I will have passed my driving test by next week. E. Will you have completed the guest list before I return?
We hope this article helps you clearly understand the differences between the Future Continuous and Future Perfect tenses and how to apply them accurately. Remember to review regularly and practice with exercises to reinforce your knowledge.
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