USE 2 Specific Time as an Interruption in the Future

In USE 1, described above, the Future Continuous is interrupted by a short action in the future. In addition to using short actions as interruptions, you can also use a specific time as an interruption.

Examples:

• Tonight at 6 PM, I am going to be eating dinner.
  I will be in the process of eating dinner.
• At midnight tonight, we will still be driving through the desert.
  We will be in the process of driving through the desert.

REMEMBER

In the Simple Future, a specific time is used to show the time an action will begin or end. In the Future Continuous, a specific time interrupts the action.

Examples:

• Tonight at 6 PM, I am going to eat dinner.
  I am going to start eating at 6 PM.
• Tonight at 6 PM, I am going to be eating dinner.
  I am going to start earlier and I will be in the process of eating dinner at 6 PM.

USE 3 Parallel Actions in the Future

When you use the Future Continuous with two actions in the same sentence, it expresses the idea that both actions will be happening at the same time. The actions are parallel.

Examples:

• I am going to be studying and he is going to be making dinner.
• Tonight, they will be eating dinner, discussing their plans, and having a good time.
• While Ellen is reading, Tim will be watching television.
  Notice "is reading" because of the time clause containing "while." (See Explanation Below)

USE 4 Atmosphere in the Future

In English, we often use a series of Parallel Actions to describe atmosphere at a specific point in the future.

Example:

• When I arrive at the party, everybody is going to be celebrating. Some will be dancing. Others are going to be talking. A few people will be eating pizza, and several people are going to be drinking beer. They always do the same thing.

REMEMBER No Future in Time Clauses

Like all future tenses, the Future Continuous cannot be used in clauses beginning with time expressions such as: when, while, before, after, by the time, as soon as, if, unless, etc. Instead of Future Continuous, Present Continuous is used.

Examples:

• While I am going to be finishing my homework, she is going to make dinner. Not Correct
• While I am finishing my homework, she is going to make dinner. Correct

AND REMEMBER Non-Continuous Verbs / Mixed Verbs

It is important to remember that Non-Continuous Verbs cannot be used in any continuous tenses. Also, certain non-continuous meanings for Mixed Verbs cannot be used in continuous tenses. Instead of using Future Continuous with these verbs, you must use Simple Future.

Examples:

• Jane will be being at my house when you arrive. Not Correct
• Jane will be at my house when you arrive. Correct

ADVERB PLACEMENT

The examples below show the placement for grammar adverbs such as: always, only, never, ever, still, just, etc.

Examples:

• You will still be waiting for her when her plane arrives.
• Will you still be waiting for her when her plane arrives?

• You are still going to be waiting for her when her plane arrives.
• Are you still going to be waiting for her when her plane arrives?

 

A. Paraphrase using the Future Continuous:

e.g.: We are going to London tomorrow.

We will be going to London tomorrow.

1. We’re catching the 8 o’clock train. 2. My brother is meeting me at the station. 3. Our wives aren’t coming with us. 4. They are staying at home. 5. We’re arriving at Paddington Station at ten o’clock. 6. My brother’s staying overnight in London, but I’m not. 7. I’m returning on the 9 o’clock express. 8. My wife’s picking me up at the station. 9. Jack is going to the mountains next Sunday. 10. She is writing a letter to her friend in France.

 

B. Respond to the following statements:

e.g.: Look, it’s getting dark. (it’s rain, in a few minutes)

It’ll be raining in a few minutes.

1. I don’t think they will come. (move to a new flat). 2. What are your plans for tonight? (take a friend to a concert). 3. My vacation is coming to an end. (return to the University, in two days). 4. Stay a little longer. (we, have supper, in a few minutes). 5. You are looking tired. (I, get a holiday soon). 6. I’m going to speak to Mr. Smith about it. (see him tonight).My mother is coming by the 6 o’clock train. (meet her at the station). 7. Jane is packing her things. (leave tonight). 8. Gorge is arriving in Moscow. (I, phone him). 9. His mother is cooking the dinner (he, help to her).