The Future Progressive vs. Simple Future Tense- English Grammar Lesson

The Future Progressive Tense

It’s really cold today in NYC. As a matter of fact, it’s-14C! I don’t like the cold weather at all, so I’m going to stay warm by thinking about the summer. In just a few short months, I’m going to be relaxing on the beach, enjoying the warm sunshine. I will probably be thinking of that scene all winter!

Today, let’s have a look at the future progressive tense in English, and how it compares to using the simple future tense.

We used the future progressive tense to talk about something that will be in progress at a certain time in the future. The grammar is will + be + VerbING (or) be going to + be + VerbING. We use this English Grammar to talk about what we believe or project will happen in the future:

• In just a few short months, I am going to be relaxing on the beach.
• I’ll be working on the weekend, so I can’t go skiing with you.
• I’ll be thinking about you while I’m away on business.
• By this time next month I’ll be enjoying the breathtaking views of the Grand Canyon.

We also use the future progressive tense to talk about what happens in the normal or usual course of events. This means the event is a usual situation, and does not necessarily include a specific point in time in the future:

• I’ll be seeing Jack at the trade show next week. Jack always attends trade shows and I expect that as usual, I will see Jack. This is different from the simple future:
• I’m going to see Jack at the trade show next week. This means I have made plans to see Jack at the trade show next week.
• I’ll probably see Jack at the trade show next week. This means I guess that I will see Jack at the trade show next week.

Here are a few more examples of using the future progressive tense for talking about what happens in the normal or usual course of events.

• I’ll be seeing my sister a lot more often since she moved back to the old neighborhood.
• I’ll be going by the library on my way to work. Do you want me to drop off your books?
• If you need me, I’ll be working in the conference room

We also use the future progressive tense to make polite questions, generally when we want something or want to ask a favor of someone, or want some information:

• Will you be using the car this afternoon? I need to do a few errands.
• Will you be meeting in Room 2? I want to use that room for half an hour
• Will you be attending the conference next week?
• Will you be working next weekend?

If you know anyone who might be interested in this English language point, why not help them out! Just share this lesson with them. Thanks for studying today!

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