Future Continuous

The future continuous is formed with 'will/won't + be + -ing'
I will be meeting David tomorrow.

We use the future continuous to talk about a temporary action in progress at a particular time in the future.
They'll be celebrating their tenth anniversary next weekend.
I won't be working on Monday.

We can also use the future continuous to ask questions about people's plans, especially if we want them to do something.
Will you be coming to the party? (I want you to come)
Will you be using the car this evening? (I want to use it)

We can also use this form to give reasons for not being able to do something.
I'm afraid I can't come to the party. I'll be working late.

Going to

We use 'going to' to talk about intentions – (the things we plan to do)
I'm going to buy a new car at the end of the year. (I want to do this but I haven't ordered the car)

Present continuous

We use the present continuous for fixed arrangements – (things we have already planned or organised)
I'm getting a new car in two days time. - (The car has been ordered)

We normally use a time reference with the present continuous unless the listener knows the context.
I'm starting an art course next week.

Lesson by Tristan, teacher at EC Malta English school

Now choose the right sentence/phrase for the following:

• 1. We're seeing 'Cats' tonight.
  
  I hope there are free seats.
  We booked the tickets two months ago.
  
  
• 2. I'm spending two weeks in Rome.
  
  I'll be doing a lot of sightseeing.
  I'm going to do some sightseeing.
  
  
• 3. I'm going to speak to the manager.
  
  I have a meeting with him every Wednesday.
  I want to complain about the service.
  
  
• 4. I'm starting yoga classes tomorrow.
  
  I think the gym next door holds yoga courses.
  I enrolled last week.
  
  
• 5. I'll be working on the conservatory in the garden. I've taken the whole week off to do this.
  
  I haven't decided when to do this yet.