LoginFuture Simple vs. Future Continuous
There are similarities and differences between future simple and future continuous, which might cause confusion.
What is Their Main Difference?
While the two tend to talk about the future but future simple tends to talk about future actions in order while future continuous talks about multiple actions happening at the same time in the future.
Uses and Comparison
1. Future Plans and Decisions
We use future simple tense to talk about our future plans and decisions we make.
She
Here, we are talking about a future plan.
She will be watching a movie this weekend.
When we are talking about a plan, we are not certain about it. This sentence is incorrect.
Once I leave, I
Here, we are talking about decisions for the future.
Once I leave, I will be shutting the door.
When we are talking about a decision, we are not certain about it actually happening. This sentence is incorrect.
2. Multiple Actions
We use future continuous tense to talk about multiple actions that will happen at the same time in the future.
Tomorrow morning, we
Here, we are talking about multiple actions that will be occurring at the same time in the future,
Tomorrow morning, we will take a different route and we will try to find new tourist attractions.
We are aiming to talk about actions that will be happening simultaneously while this example just names them.
I
Here, the speaker talks about two actions that will be happening at the same time.
I will leave and I will try not to forget to lock the door.
Since we are not intending to name actions in order, this sentence is incorrect.
3. Future Predictions
Have you ever visited an oracle or a fortune teller to tell you about your future? We use future simple to guess and predict future events.
You
You
Here, we eliminated the doubt and therefore it is not a prediction.
I
I
Here, we eliminated the doubt and therefore it is not a guess.
4. Actions in Progress
We use future continuous tense to talk about an in-progress future action that happens at the same time with another shorter action at a specific time.
I
I
Here, we are talking about a plan.
He
He
Here, we are talking about an action that will happen after the first action.
5. Making Promises
We can also use future simple to make many promises. Have a look:
I swear I
Here, we have a very common promise.
I swear I will be keeping your secrets.
No promises are given here, instead it tends to talk about a future action that will be done.
I
Here, we are making a promise.
I will be checking the door as soon as I'm done.
Here, we are not making any promises, but just talking about a future action that will happen.
6. Suggested Sentences
Lastly, we use simple future tense to make suggestions about the world around us.
Here, we are making a suggestive sentence.
Will you be turning off the heater?
This sentence does not make any suggestion therefore it is incorrect.
Here, we are making a suggestion.
Will you be doing me a favor?
This sentence does not make any suggestion therefore it is incorrect.
Structure
1. Future Simple Tense
2. Future Continuous Tense
To create this tense, we add 'will' to the auxiliary verb 'be' and the present participle of the main verb. Take a look at the table below:
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