Future progressive

Definition

The future progressive tense describes actions that will be ongoing at a specific point in the future. It combines the future tense of the auxiliary verb 'will' with 'be' and the present participle of the main verb, indicating that an action is expected to continue for a duration during a future time frame.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The structure of the future progressive is formed using 'will be' followed by the present participle of the main verb, like in the sentence 'I will be studying.'
2. This tense is often used to indicate actions that will be in progress at a certain time in the future, such as 'At 8 PM, I will be working on my assignment.'
3. The future progressive can also suggest that a planned action may be interrupted by another event, providing context for future scenarios.
4. It differs from the simple future tense, which indicates completed actions rather than ongoing ones.
5. Future progressive is helpful for making predictions about future actions and expressing uncertainty about what will be happening at a given time.

Review Questions

• How does the future progressive tense differ from other future tenses, and what does this tell us about the nature of actions being described?
  • The future progressive tense specifically highlights ongoing actions occurring at a particular moment in the future, unlike the simple future tense, which denotes completed actions. For example, while 'I will study' suggests a complete action at some point in the future, 'I will be studying' emphasizes that studying will be happening over a period during that time. This difference underscores how future progressive focuses on the continuity of actions rather than their completion.
• In what situations would it be appropriate to use the future progressive tense to convey meaning effectively?
  • Using the future progressive is particularly effective when describing activities expected to be in progress at a specific time or when planning for events that may overlap or interact with other actions. For instance, saying 'I will be traveling when you call' illustrates how one action is ongoing while another may occur. This tense enhances clarity in conveying situations where timing and activity are intertwined.
• Evaluate how understanding the future progressive tense can enhance communication skills in both written and spoken forms.
  • Grasping the nuances of the future progressive tense allows individuals to articulate complex scenarios involving overlapping actions, which enriches both spoken and written communication. By effectively using this tense, speakers can paint clearer pictures of anticipated events, ensuring listeners grasp intended meanings. This skill becomes particularly valuable in storytelling and professional settings where precise timelines and expectations are essential for conveying plans or predicting outcomes.

Related terms

Future Tense: A verb tense used to describe actions that will happen after the current moment.

Present Participle: The form of a verb that ends in -ing, used in continuous tenses.

Progressive Aspect: A grammatical aspect that shows an ongoing action, which can occur in various tenses.