DECIDED future, PREDICTING the present, POLITE QUESTIONS, future IN PROGRESS
1. We use the FUTURE CONTINUOUS to say that something will be in progress at a particular moment in the future:
- This time tomorrow, I'll be lying on the beach.
- Good luck with the exam. We'll be thinking of you.
2. We use the FUTURE CONTINUOUS to show future events which are fixed or decided, or which are expected to happen in the normal course of events:
- Professor Baxter will be giving the another lecture at the same time next week.
- You'll be hearing from one of my lawyers.
- I'll be seeing you one of these days, expect.
3. FUTURE CONTINUOUS can be used to predict the present - to say what we think or guess is probably happening now.
- Don't phone now - they'll be having lunch.
4. POLITE questions about other people's plans:
- Will you be staying in this evening? (I'm politely asking about your plans)
- Are you going to stay in this evening? (I'm pressing for a decision)
- Will you stay in this evening, please? (I'm either giving instructions or orders)
More examples:
- I will be playing tennis at 10 am tomorrow.
- They won't be watching TV at 9 pm tonight.
- What will you be doing at 10 pm tonight?
- What will you be doing when I arrive?
- She will not be sleeping when you telephone her.
- We'll be having dinner when the film starts.
- Take your umbrella. It will be raining when you return.
[sources: My Grammar Lab & Practical English Usage]
