The future perfect tense is a verb tense used to describe an action that will be completed or finished at a specific point in the future.
It is formed by using the auxiliary verb “will” or “shall” (depending on the subject) followed by the auxiliary verb “have” and the past participle of the main verb.
The structure of the future perfect tense is as follows:
Subject + will/shall + have + past participle of the main verb
Here are some examples of sentences in the future perfect tense:
1. By the time he arrives, we will have finished dinner.
2. They will have completed their project before the deadline.
3. I will have graduated from university by next year.
4. She will have read the entire book by tomorrow.
5. By the time we reach the airport, the flight will have departed.
In these examples, the actions (finishing dinner, completing the project, graduating, reading the book, departing of the flight) are indicated as being completed or finished at a specific point in the future.
The future perfect tense is used to emphasize that the action will be completed before another event or a specific time in the future.
STRUCTURE OR FORMULA
The formula or structure of the future perfect tense is as follows:
Affirmative:
Subject + will/shall + have + past participle of the main verb
Negative:
Subject + will/shall + not + have + past participle of the main verb
Interrogative:
Will/Shall + subject + have + past participle of the main verb?
Here are some examples to illustrate the structure of the future perfect tense:
Affirmative:
1. I will have completed my assignment by tomorrow.
2. They will have arrived at the destination by noon.
3. She will have finished reading the book by the end of the week.
Negative:
1. He will not have finished his work by the deadline.
2. We shall not have reached the summit by sunset.
3. The team will not have completed the project by next month.
Interrogative:
1. Will you have finished your chores by the time I come home?
2. Will they have found a solution to the problem by the meeting?
3. Shall we have completed the renovation by the end of the month?
In these examples, the structure remains the same, with the subject followed by the auxiliary verb “will” or “shall,” then “have,” and finally the past participle of the main verb.
The negative form includes the word “not” between the auxiliary verb and “have,” while the interrogative form starts with the auxiliary verb followed by the subject and the rest of the structure.
RULES
Here are the rules for using the future perfect tense:
1. Formation:
The future perfect tense is formed by using the auxiliary verb “will” or “shall” (depending on the subject), followed by the auxiliary verb “have,” and then the past participle of the main verb.
For example: “I will have finished the project.”
2. Completion in the Future:
The future perfect tense is used to express an action that will be completed or finished at a specific point in the future.
It emphasizes that the action will occur before another event or a specific time in the future.
3. Time Reference:
The future perfect tense often includes time expressions or clauses that indicate the specific point in the future when the action will be completed.
Examples of time expressions include “by tomorrow,” “by next year,” “before the deadline,” and “by the time I arrive.”
4. Affirmative Sentences:
In affirmative sentences, the subject is followed by “will” or “shall” (depending on the subject), then “have,” and finally the past participle of the main verb.
For example: “They will have graduated by June.”
5. Negative Sentences:
In negative sentences, “not” is placed between “will” or “shall” and “have.”
For example: “She will not have finished her work by then.”
6. Interrogative Sentences:
In interrogative sentences, the auxiliary verb “will” or “shall” is placed at the beginning of the sentence, followed by the subject, “have,” and the past participle of the main verb.
For example: “Will they have completed the project by tomorrow?”
7. Future Perfect Continuous:
There is also a variation of the future perfect tense called the future perfect continuous tense, which indicates an ongoing action that will be completed at a specific point in the future.
It is formed by using “will” or “shall” with “have been” and the present participle of the main verb.
For example: “I will have been working for six hours by the time you arrive.”
Remember that the usage of the future perfect tense depends on the context and the intended meaning of the sentence.
It is typically used when discussing actions or events that will be completed in the future before a specific point or another action takes place.
HOW TO EXPLAIN FUTURE PERFECT TENSE TO STUDENTS
Explaining the future perfect tense to students can be done in a step-by-step manner using simple language and relatable examples.
Here’s a suggested explanation:
1. Start by introducing the concept of verb tenses:
Explain that verb tenses are used to show when an action happens.
For example, we use the present tense for actions happening now, the past tense for actions that already happened, and the future tense for actions that will happen later.
2. Define the future perfect tense:
Explain that the future perfect tense is used to talk about actions that will be completed or finished at a specific point in the future.
Emphasize that it indicates something that will happen before another event or a specific time in the future.
3. Explain the structure:
Show the structure of the future perfect tense using a simple formula: subject + will/shall + have + past participle of the main verb.
Point out that “will” or “shall” depends on the subject of the sentence.
4. Provide examples:
Use relatable examples to illustrate the future perfect tense.
Make sure to include time references to indicate when the action will be completed. For instance:
– “By tomorrow, I will have finished my homework.”
– “By next week, he will have learned how to play the guitar.”
– “By the time you arrive, we will have cooked dinner.”
5. Highlight negative and interrogative forms:
Explain that in negative sentences, “not” is added between “will” or “shall” and “have.” For interrogative sentences, the auxiliary verb is placed at the beginning of the sentence.
Provide examples in both negative and interrogative forms to reinforce understanding.
6. Practice exercises:
Engage students in interactive exercises to reinforce their understanding of the future perfect tense.
Provide sentences with gaps for them to complete using the correct future perfect form.
7. Encourage practice and usage:
Encourage students to use the future perfect tense in their own sentences or in conversations.
Provide prompts or real-life scenarios where they can apply their knowledge of the tense.
8. Review and summarize:
Summarize the key points of the future perfect tense, reinforcing the structure, usage, and examples.
Answer any remaining questions to ensure comprehension.
9. Provide additional resources:
Share relevant worksheets, online exercises, or grammar guides that students can refer to for further practice and reinforcement.
By following these steps and using clear and relatable examples, you can help students grasp the concept and usage of the future perfect tense.
Exercise:
Complete each sentence by using the future perfect tense.
1. By this time next year, I __________ my studies.
2. They __________ the game before it starts.
3. Will you __________ your assignment by tomorrow?
4. She __________ the book by the end of the month.
5. By the time he arrives, we __________ the preparations.
6. The team __________ the project before the deadline.
7. Will they __________ their journey by sunset?
8. I am sure he __________ his goal by then.
9. By next week, she __________ her new job.
10. Will they __________ their chores before going out?
Answers:
1. By this time next year, I will have completed my studies.
2. They will have won the game before it starts.
3. Will you have finished your assignment by tomorrow?
4. She will have read the book by the end of the month.
5. By the time he arrives, we will have finished the preparations.
6. The team will have completed the project before the deadline.
7. Will they have finish
ed their journey by sunset?
8. I am sure he will have achieved his goal by then.
9. By next week, she will have started her new job.
10. Will they have completed their chores before going out?
Learn more Tenses
- Simple present tense
- Simple past tense
- Simple future tense
- Present progressive tense
- Past progressive tense
- Future progressive tense
- Present perfect tense
- Past perfect tense
- Present perfect continuous tense
- Past perfect continuous tense
- Future perfect continuous tense
- Tenses in English grammar
