What the future progressive does
We use it for an action that will be in progress — already happening, not finished — at some point in the future.
What will you be doing at this time tomorrow?
People will be living in smaller homes in the future.
Compare it with the simple future. The difference is whether the action starts at that moment or is already under way.
At eight o'clock I will eat dinner. → I start eating at eight.
At eight o'clock I will be eating dinner. → I'm already in the middle of it.
Typical time markers: at this time tomorrow, this time next year, in five years, at eight o'clock, when you arrive, all morning.
Form
| Form | Example |
|---|
| will + be + -ing | People will be living in smaller homes. |
| will not / won't + be + -ing | She will not be taking any classes next semester. |
| question | What will you be doing at this time tomorrow? |
subject + will (not) be + verb + -ing
Two things never change: be stays be for every subject, and only the main verb takes -ing.
I will be working. · They will be working.
Next year he won't be living with his parents.
Three uses
1 · In progress at a future moment. The main use — picture the action already happening.
This time tomorrow we will be flying over the Atlantic.
Don't call at seven — I 'll be driving home.
2 · Something expected as a matter of course — an event that is already arranged or that happens anyway, with no particular intention behind it.
I 'll be seeing Tom on Friday, so I can pass on the message.
We 'll be going past your office anyway.
3 · Polite enquiries about plans. Asking with the future progressive sounds like curiosity, not a request — it doesn't put pressure on the other person.
Will you be using the car tonight? → just asking
Will you use the car tonight? → sounds like a request is coming
Verbs that don't take -ing
Stative verbs describe states rather than actions, and they stay in the simple form even when we are talking about a future moment.
| Type | Verbs |
|---|
| thinking | know, believe, understand, remember, mean |
| feeling | like, love, hate, want, need, prefer |
| having / being | be, have (= own), own, belong, seem, cost |
✗ I'll be knowing the results by Friday. → ✓ I'll know the results by Friday.
✗ She'll be owning the apartment by then. → ✓ She'll own the apartment by then.
⚠ Common mistakes:
✗ We will flying over the Atlantic. → ✓ will be flying
✗ She will be teach her class. → ✓ will be teaching
✗ He will being living abroad. → ✓ will be living
✗ Will you be use the car? → ✓ Will you be using the car?
✗ I'll be knowing by nine. → ✓ I'll know by nine. (stative verb)