Topic 1.4.2 Future Continuous
FUTURE CONTINUOUS
Warm up
- What are the biggest challenges in transitioning to sustainable energy, and how can they be addressed?
- How can individuals and communities contribute to the growth of sustainable energy usage?
- What role do governments and policies play in promoting sustainable energy solutions globally?
Reading
Tech Giant SolarWave Will Be Revolutionizing Sustainable Energy Markets Next Year
Next year, SolarWave Technologies, a leader in renewable energy solutions, will be transforming the energy landscape with the launch of its groundbreaking solar energy storage system. By mid-2025, the company will be partnering with governments and private enterprises across Europe and Asia to implement large-scale green energy projects.
SolarWave will be focusing on reducing carbon emissions by 40% in urban areas through innovative energy storage that ensures cities can rely on solar power, even during periods of low sunlight. Meanwhile, their R&D team will be developing next-generation battery technologies that are expected to extend the lifespan of current energy storage solutions by 50%.
As part of its global expansion plan, SolarWave will be opening new manufacturing facilities in Asia and South America, aiming to scale production and reduce costs. Throughout the year, the company will be negotiating with major energy providers to ensure widespread adoption of its technology.
Industry experts predict that by the end of 2025, SolarWave will be dominating the clean energy storage market, further solidifying its position as the front-runner in the transition toward a more sustainable global energy grid.”
Discussion questions
- What challenges might SolarWave face when partnering with governments and private enterprises in different regions?
- How do you think SolarWave’s focus on reducing carbon emissions in urban areas will impact cities’ reliance on traditional energy sources?
- What are the potential benefits of SolarWave’s next-generation battery technologies, and how might they influence the renewable energy market?
- Why do you think SolarWave is expanding its manufacturing facilities to Asia and South America, and how could this expansion impact its business growth?
- How important is innovation in battery technology for the future of renewable energy, and what role does SolarWave’s R&D team play in this?
- What might be the long-term environmental and economic impacts if SolarWave successfully implements large-scale green energy projects across Europe and Asia?
In the text there were various examples of the Future Continuous.
Positive
will be + verb + ing
Use
We use the future continuous to talk about an activity that will be in progress at a particular time in the future.
e.g. We are planning to start the business lunch at 2pm and finish at 4pm so at 3pm we’ll be having lunch.
2.We often use a time clause (with a present tense) and the future continuous to talk about a future event that will happen when another activity is in progress.
We’ll be planning the budget when you arrive.
I’ll be waiting for you when your plane arrives.
This is the same structure as the first conditional (if/when + present, will + infinitive), but with the future continuous instead of will + infinitive.
3.We also use the future continuous to express the idea that two or more actions will be happening at the same time.
We’ll be talking and they’ll be listening.
While my boss is giving his presentation, I will be writing the report.
NOTE: We say ‘is watching’ because while is a time expression. We cannot use will after time expressions such as when, while, before, after, by the time, as soon as, if, unless, etc.
Questions
- What will you be working on next year to achieve your career goals?
- Will you be traveling anywhere exciting in the next few months?
- This time next week, what will you be doing during your free time?
- Will you be learning any new skills or hobbies over the summer?
- In five years, where do you think you will be living and working?
- Will you be spending more time with family during the holidays?
- What projects will you be focusing on at work in the upcoming quarter?
- Will you be attending any special events or celebrations later this year?
NEGATIVE FORM
- Will + not + be + verb + ing
- Won’t (contracted version) + be + verb + ing
The negative future continuous tense is used to describe actions that will not be happening at a specific time in the future. Here are some examples:
- I won’t be working at 8 pm tomorrow.
- They won’t be attending the meeting next week.
- I’m sorry, but I won’t be joining you for dinner tomorrow.”
- He won’t be travelling with us because he has another commitment.”
- We won’t be using the old software after the update.”
QUESTION FORM
- Will/Won’t + subject + be + verb + ing ?
The question form of the future continuous tense is used to inquire about actions or events that will be ongoing at a specific time in the future.
- Will you be attending the conference next month?”
- Will they be staying at the new hotel during their trip?”
- Will she be working on the project when we arrive?”
- Will we be meeting with the clients on Tuesday?”
- Won’t you be joining us for dinner this weekend?”
Speaking practice
Make some questions using the future continuous to ask your partner about the future.
e.g. Will you be having dinner at 9pm tonight?
Practice exercise 1
Practice exercise 2
Speaking Practice 2
Work in pairs. Ask your partner what he/she will be doing at the specific times below.
Example: At 8am tomorrow, I’ll probably be having breakfast. What will you be doing at 8am tomorrow?
8am tomorrow
midday tomorrow
4:30pm tomorrow
9pm tomorrow night
this time next week
this time next year
Extension activities
Role-Play Future Predictions
Activity: Divide into pairs or small groups. Each group chooses a topic (e.g., work, technology, the environment) and role-plays a conversation where they predict what they will be doing or experiencing in the next 10-20 years.
Example: “In 2040, we will be driving electric cars and reducing pollution.”
Future News Report
Activity: Ask students to write and present a news report from the future, focusing on upcoming events. They should include phrases like “will be doing,” “will be happening,” etc.
Example: “By 2035, scientists will be exploring Mars, and cities will be expanding into space.”
Interactive Timeline
Activity: Create a timeline for the next 20 years. On this timeline, you must include predictions for your life (or global events) using the future continuous.
Example: “In 2030, I will be working as a software developer.”
Question Chain
Activity: One student asks another a question using the future continuous (e.g., “What will you be doing next summer?”). The person who answers must then ask another student a different future continuous question. The chain continues around the class.
Listening: Listen to the following video and answer the questions:
- What will Dany be doing this evening?
- What will his father and mother be doing in the evening?
- What does Bob propose to his parents to do in the evening?
- What time does he want to meet them?
Watch this video to practice the future continuous.