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Future Perfect

The Future Perfect is a verb tense that shows an action will be completed before a specific point in the future, formed with will have + past participle.

B2Tenses

What is the Future Perfect?

The Future Perfect is a verb tense that shows an action will be completed before a specific point in the future.

  • The formation pattern is will have + past participle, which is used to show the action will finish before another action in the future.
  • We use will have + past participle to talk about an action that starts before a specific point in the future and continues up to that point.

When to use the Future Perfect

  • We use the Future Perfect to show that an action will be completed before a specific point in the future.
  • The Future Perfect is also used to talk about an action that starts before a specific point in the future and continues up to that point.
  • We use it to show cause and effect, where the cause happens before the effect.

Examples of the Future Perfect

  • By next year, I will have finished my degree
  • She will have been working at the company for three years by the time she turns 30
  • They will have eaten dinner by the time we arrive
  • By the time I turn 40, I will have been married for 15 years
  • He will have been studying English for six months by the time he takes the test

Common mistakes with the Future Perfect

  • Wrong: I will finish my degree next year. Correct: I will have finished my degree by next year
  • Wrong: She will work at the company for three years by the time she turns 30. Correct: She will have been working at the company for three years by the time she turns 30
  • Wrong: They will eat dinner by the time we arrive. Correct: They will have eaten dinner by the time we arrive

Tip for using the Future Perfect

Remember that the Future Perfect is used to talk about actions that will be completed before a specific point in the future. Use will have + past participle to form the Future Perfect.

Quick check
By the time I _____ my homework, it was very late.

Where this matters in your exam

The Future Perfect is assessed in IELTS Writing Task 2 and Speaking. You need to use it correctly to get a high score.

  • Writing Task 2

    Use the Future Perfect to describe future plans in IELTS Writing Task 2