Future perfect and future continuous
will have done for deadlines (by Friday) and will be doing for actions in progress at a future time
I can talk about deadlines with will have done and future moments with will be doing.
Look at these examples. Can you spot the grammar pattern?
By 2030 the city will have replaced every diesel bus.
By 2030 the city will have replaced every diesel bus.
Don't call at nine — we'll be putting the kids to bed.
Don't call at nine — we'll be putting the kids to bed.
Pay attention to the highlighted parts. What do they have in common?
Two precision futures:
| Form | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| will have + p.p. | completed before a deadline | By Friday we'll have finished the report. |
| will be + -ing | in progress at a future moment | This time tomorrow I'll be flying to Malta. |
Signals: by + time, by the time, in two years' time. Also soft arrangements: Will you be using the car tonight? (neutral inquiry).
- *until Friday for deadlines → by Friday
- *will have finish → will have finished
- Plain will for future-moment progress: → will be flying
Common Error Patterns
until for completion deadlines
by = completion point; until = continues till
Participle dropped
will have + past participle
By 2030 the city will have replaced every diesel bus.
By 2030 the city will have replaced every diesel bus.
Deadline completion: by + will have done.
Don't call at nine — we'll be putting the kids to bed.
Don't call at nine — we'll be putting the kids to bed.
In progress at a future time.
Practice in course
Apply this grammar in B2 course exercises