Future continuous tense (سيكون / سوف يكون)

The Future Continuous Tense

To describe an action that will be ongoing in the future (like "will be saving"), Arabic uses a compound verb structure. Combine the future tense of "to be" (كان) with a main verb in the present tense.

Constructing the Tense with سيكون

Start with the future form of "to be" using the prefix سـ (سيكون for masculine subjects, ستكون for feminine subjects). Then, add the main action verb in the present tense. Both verbs must agree with the subject.

In the sentences above, the present tense verb expresses the continuous, ongoing nature of the action. You'll often see this structure paired with specific future time markers to show exactly when the action will be happening.

Using سوف يكون

Just as with standard future tense verbs, you can use the separate word سوف instead of the attached prefix سـ.

Using سوف يكون followed by a present tense verb functions exactly the same way, though it is often used for a slightly more distant future or simply as a stylistic variation.

This structure is especially useful for describing routines, automated processes, or background actions that we expect to be ongoing realities in the future.