Future Progressive
A complete B2 guide to the future progressive for actions in progress at a future time. Covers form, time markers, and polite question forms.
The future progressive describes an action in progress at a future time.
Form
Use will be + -ing.
| Statement | Negative | Question |
|---|---|---|
| I will be working. | I will not be working. | Will you be working? |
| They will be travelling. | They will not be travelling. | Will they be travelling? |
Action In Progress In The Future
Use it when an action will be happening around a specific future time.
At 8:00 tonight, I will be studying.
This time tomorrow, we will be flying to Tokyo.
Future Plans And Normal Course Of Events
The future progressive can sound natural and polite when asking about someone’s plans.
Will you be using the car tonight?
It can also describe something expected as part of a schedule or normal situation.
I will be seeing Maya at the meeting tomorrow.
Future Progressive Or Simple Future
| Form | Focus |
|---|---|
| I will call you at 7:00. | the action as a whole |
| I will be driving at 7:00. | the action in progress at that time |
Common Mistakes
| Avoid | Use |
|---|---|
| I will working at 9:00. | I will be working at 9:00. |
| Will you using the car? | Will you be using the car? |
| This time tomorrow, I fly. | This time tomorrow, I will be flying. |
Practice
At 10:00 tomorrow, I will be ___ my exam.
Summary
Use the future progressive for an action in progress at a future time: will be + -ing. It is also useful for polite questions about plans and for expected events in the normal course of things.