Future Perfect
The future perfect describes an action that will be finished before a specific moment in the future. It looks back from that future point at something already completed.
Level B2
Tenses
Summary
- The future perfect describes an action that will be finished before a specific moment in the future. It looks back from that future point at something already completed.
Structure
will have + past participle (+ by/before + time)
Examples
- By next June, I will have worked here for ten years.
- She'll have finished the report before the meeting starts.
- Don't call at six; we won't have arrived yet.
- Will you have eaten by the time I get home?
Common mistakes
- • Using a simple future where completion is meant: 'By 2030 I will work here for ten years' should be 'will have worked'.
- • Forgetting 'have': 'I will finished by then' should be 'will have finished'.
More tenses
Present Simple
A1
Use the present simple for facts, habits, routines, and things that are generally true. Add -s/-es to the verb with he, she, and it.
Present Continuous
A1
Use the present continuous for actions happening now, around the present time, or for temporary situations. It is also used for fixed future arrangements.
Past Simple
A1
Use the past simple for completed actions at a definite time in the past. Regular verbs add -ed; many common verbs are irregular.
Future with 'Going To'
A2
Use 'going to' for plans and intentions decided before now, and for predictions based on present evidence.
Future with 'Will'
A2
Use 'will' for predictions, instant decisions made at the moment of speaking, promises, and offers.
Past Continuous
B1
Use the past continuous for an action in progress at a moment in the past, often interrupted by a shorter past simple action, or for two parallel ongoing actions.