Definition of Future Perfect Tense
Future Perfect Tense is a sentence that functions to express an event that was started in the past and will be completed in the future. The use of the future perfect tense is to include a clear time in the future. For example in the form of hours, next day, etc. This is to provide clarity that the event will be completed before another event occurs.
When to use the future perfect tense? The answer is when you want to state something that will be done or done in the past and will be completed in the future.
The tenses in English vary greatly according to the time of delivery which you can all learn in the book Definitely Can! English Communicative Teaching 12 Tenses Grammar Materials.
Future Perfect Tense formula
Basically the main formula of the future perfect tense in a positive form is subject + will + have + verb-3 + complement. Meanwhile, in the negative form, subject + will + not + have + verb-3 + complement. Whereas in the form of an interrogative sentence it becomes will + subject + + have + verb-3 + complement?
However, as in the present perfect tense and simple present tense , the English Academy will divide the formula for the future perfect tenses into nominal sentence types and verbal sentences. So, you can see the further discussion below.
Verbal Formulas
The verbal formula in the future perfect tense is in the positive form ( subject + will + have + verb-3 + complement), in the negative form ( subject + will + not+ have + verb-3 + complement ), in the form of questions ( will + subject + + have + verb-3 + complement? ). To make it easier to understand the verbal formula in the future perfect tense, you can see the example below.
(+) I will have graduated when we meet next year
(-) I will have not taken the exam
(?) Will he have done it by this evening? (Has he been going to finish it this afternoon?)
(+) I will have watched the film The Batman (I will have watched the film The Batman )
(-) I will not have watched the film The Batman (I will not have watched the film The Batman )
(?) Will he have watched the film The Batman (Has he been going to watch The Batman movie yet ?)
Nominal Formula
Nominal formulas in future perfect tense sentences in the form of positive sentences ( subject + will + have + been + complement ), negative sentences ( subject + will + not+ have + been + complement ), and interrogative sentences or sentences ( will + subject + have + been + complement? ).
(+) I will have been at your house when the party starts
(-) I will have not been there by this evening
(?) Will you have been here tonight? (Will you be here tonight?)
Characteristics of the Future Perfect Tense
After discussing the formula of the future perfect tense, the next discussion is its characteristics.
- The future perfect tense in the form of a nominal sentence after have will have a third verb from “be”, namely been . Therefore, in this sentence formula, do not use regular or irregular verbs which function to provide a clear explanation of an action or event.
- In the verbal sentence formula, the writing of the verb is changed to a third verb by adding an additional affix, namely “ed”. The prefix “ed” is placed at the end of the verb in the sentence.
- In all subjects used in future perfect tense sentences, use have, whether it’s a singular or plural subject. As for singular subjects, such as (I, she, he, and it) and plural subjects, such as (you, we, and they).
Future Perfect Tense function
The future perfect tense has the function of talking about or discussing an event or events that have occurred in the future. Therefore, when using this tense, it is as if we are thinking or imagining someone or ourselves in the future. In addition, this tense also talks about an action or event that will be completed at a time after now. In simple terms, the future perfect tense functions to express time expressions relating to the future.
How to Make Future Perfect Tense
The Future Perfect tense can be said to be tricky because we need to pay attention to the third verb of the verb (verb). In addition, sentence structure also needs to be considered, such as positive sentences, negative sentences using “not”, and use in interrogative sentences. Here’s how to make future perfect tense sentences.
1. Must see the formula, want to use the verbal formula or nominal formula
2. Follow the structure of each formula (verbal or nominal)
3. Notice the use of the verb in the third verb form
Time Description Future Perfect Tense
by next … : ahead of … ahead
by next week : ahead of next week
by Sunday : ahead of Sunday
by tomorrow : ahead of tomorrow
by next month : ahead of next month
The use of tenses to describe adverbs of time is very important, such as the use of adverbs of time above as adverbs of time in the future tense. You can learn this more easily through the book The 1st Students Choice Changing Times Changing Tenses.
Examples of Future Perfect Tense Sentenes
I will not have graduated next May
The work will not have been finished next month
I will not have been at your house tomorrow tomorrow)
Will you have graduated next May? (Have you graduated next May?)
Rina will have done her home work (
Rina will have left at 9 pm)
He will have posted 100 images next week (He will publish 100 pictures next week)
Examples of Future Perfect Tense Questions
Problem 1
She … the meeting room by 12 ‘oclock.
A. will have left
B. will left
C. is leaving
D. was left
Discussion: The question contains specific time information, namely 12 o’clock, so the sentence can use the future perfect tense with the formula S + will + have + V3. So the answer is A .
Problem 2
They … their study by evening
A. finished
B. will have finished
C. will have finished
D. are finishing
Discussion: The question contains a specific time statement, namely by evening, so the sentence can use the future perfect tense with the formula S + will + have + V3. So the answer is B .
Problem 3
Will we … it tomorrow?
A. do
B. did
C. are doing
D. have done
Discussion: The question contains a specific time statement, namely tomorrow, so the sentence can use the future perfect tense with the formula will + S + have + V3. So the answer is D .
Problem 4
I will … when we meet next year.
A. graduates
B. graduate
C. have graduated
D. graduates
Discussion: The question contains specific time information, namely next year, so the sentence can use the future perfect tense with the formula S + will + have + V3. So the answer is C.
Problem 5
Will my mom…?
A. slept
B. sleep
C. have slept
D. will sleep
Discussion: The interrogative sentence of the future perfect tense is will + S + have + V3. So the answer is C .
It should be underlined, the future perfect tense has little resemblance to the simple future tense. However, if the sentence whose context is the future perfect tense, then use a specific adverb of time.