- Will you be in Bangkok?
- Correct Call: “Be” is the base verb (and main verb).
- Why: This is future simple (Subject + will + base verb). “Be” is the main verb in its base form, describing a state (being in Bangkok). “Will” is the auxiliary verb for the future. It asks if you’ll be located in Bangkok, like, “Can we meet there?”
- Compare: “Will you go to Bangkok?” uses “go” as the main verb for the action of traveling, showing “be” isn’t always needed after “will.”
- Will you be staying in Bangkok tomorrow?
- Correct Call: “Will be” is auxiliary, and “staying” is the verb.
- Why: This is future continuous (Subject + will be + verb + -ing). “Be” in “will be” is an auxiliary verb, helping the main verb “staying” (ongoing action of remaining in Bangkok). It asks if you’ll be in the process of staying tomorrow, like, “Will you still be at your hotel at 3 PM?”
Why This Matters
The verb “be” is a grammar superstar—it can be the main verb (describing states like being somewhere) or an auxiliary (helping verbs like “staying”). After “will,” you use “be” only when it’s the main verb (future simple) or part of a continuous tense (future continuous). For actions like traveling, use verbs like “go” instead (e.g., “Will you go to Bangkok?”).
Your Go-To Table for Future Tenses
Here’s a table to nail these tenses, with our Bangkok sentences and a bonus basketball example. Use it to study or share!
| Tense | Structure | Usage | Examples with Explanation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Future Simple | Subject + will + base verb | Describes a state or action at a future time | Ex: Will you be in Bangkok tomorrow? (Be is main verb, base form, for location.) Ex: Will you go to Bangkok? (Go is main verb for action.) Why: “Be” is used for states; other verbs like “go” are used for actions. |
| Future Continuous | Subject + will be + verb + -ing | Shows an ongoing action at a future time | Ex: Will you be staying in Bangkok tomorrow? (Be is auxiliary, helping staying.) Ex: Will you be playing basketball? (Be helps playing.) Why: “Be” is an auxiliary for continuous tenses, supporting the -ing verb. |
| Future Perfect | Subject + will have + past participle | Describes a state/action completed by a future time | Ex: Will you have been in Bangkok for a week? (Have been is auxiliary for state.) Why: “Been” helps show a completed state or action. |