Form
| Type | Formula | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Positive | will be + verb-ing | I will be working at 8 pm. |
| Negative | won't be + verb-ing | She won't be coming to the party. |
| Yes/No question | Will + subject + be + verb-ing? | Will you be using the car tonight? |
| Wh- question | Wh- + will + subject + be + verb-ing? | What will you be doing this time tomorrow? |
Three main uses
| Use | Example |
|---|---|
| Action in progress at a specific future time Like past continuous, but in the future. |
At 9 pm, I will be watching the match. This time tomorrow, we 'll be sitting on the beach! |
| Expected / planned future event An event that will happen as part of a routine or plan. |
Don't call at noon — I 'll be having lunch. The president will be visiting Spain next week. |
| Polite questions about plans More indirect and polite than "Are you going to…?" |
Will you be using the car this evening? (Can I borrow it?) Will you be needing help with that? |
Future Continuous vs. will + infinitive
| will + infinitive | will be + -ing |
|---|---|
| A decision, promise or prediction | An activity in progress at a future moment |
| I will call you tonight. (decision/promise) |
I will be calling you at 8. (in progress at that moment) |
| It will rain tomorrow. (prediction) |
This time tomorrow, it will be raining. (in progress at that time) |
Time expressions:
Common with "this time tomorrow / next week", "at 6 pm", "when you arrive", "by then I'll be…"
Exercises
will or will be + -ing?
1. This time tomorrow I ___ (fly) over the Atlantic.
2. Don't worry — I ___ (call) you as soon as I arrive.
3. At 8 pm tonight, she ___ (cook) dinner, so don't call then.
4. ___ you ___ (use) the car tomorrow? I need a lift.