The Past Future Continuous Tense in Indonesian: A Comprehensive Guide

Indonesian language, known as Bahasa Indonesia, is rich in its grammar structures and tenses. One of the tenses that learners often find challenging is the past future continuous tense. This tense allows speakers to express ongoing actions in the past that will continue into the future. In this article, we will explore the intricacies of the past future continuous tense in Indonesian, including its formation, usage, and examples. Let’s dive in!

What is the Past Future Continuous Tense?

The past future continuous tense, also known as “future continuous tense” or “prospective continuous tense,” is used to describe an ongoing action that will happen in the future from a specific point in the past. It emphasizes the continuity and duration of an action that is expected to take place in the future.

In Indonesian, the past future continuous tense is formed by using the auxiliary verb “akan” (will) combined with the verb “sedang” (to be doing) and the root verb in its verb + suffix “–i” form. The suffix “-i” indicates that the verb is in the past tense, while “sedang” signifies the continuous aspect of the action.

Let’s take a look at the formation of the past future continuous tense in Indonesian:

• Affirmative:
• Saya akan sedang + root verb-i
• Kamu akan sedang + root verb-i
• Dia/Ia akan sedang + root verb-i
• Kami akan sedang + root verb-i
• Kalian akan sedang + root verb-i
• Mereka akan sedang + root verb-i
• Negative:
• Saya tidak akan sedang + root verb-i
• Kamu tidak akan sedang + root verb-i
• Dia/Ia tidak akan sedang + root verb-i
• Kami tidak akan sedang + root verb-i
• Kalian tidak akan sedang + root verb-i
• Mereka tidak akan sedang + root verb-i

Usage of the Past Future Continuous Tense

The past future continuous tense is used in various contexts in Indonesian. Here are some of the common situations where this tense is employed:

1. Describing Future Plans in the Past

One of the main uses of the past future continuous tense is to describe future plans or actions that were discussed or planned in the past. It highlights the ongoing nature of an action that was anticipated to happen at a specific time in the future.

Example:

Saya akan sedang belajar Bahasa Indonesia di universitas pada tahun depan. (I will be studying Indonesian language at the university next year.)

2. Indicating Assumptions or Predictions in the Past

The past future continuous tense can also be used to express assumptions or predictions about ongoing actions that were expected to occur in the future. It conveys a sense of uncertainty or speculation about a future event from a past standpoint.

Example:

Andi akan sedang bermain sepak bola di lapangan saat ini. (Andi would be playing soccer on the field right now.)

3. Narrating Past Actions with Future Continuity

In storytelling or recounting past events, the past future continuous tense is employed to describe actions that were happening continuously in the past and were expected to continue into the future. It creates a vivid and detailed narrative of ongoing actions.

Example:

Waktu itu, kami akan sedang menikmati makan malam di restoran yang terkenal. (At that time, we would be enjoying dinner at the famous restaurant.)

Examples of the Past Future Continuous Tense

Now, let’s explore some examples of the past future continuous tense in Indonesian:

1. Affirmative Sentences

• Saya akan sedang membaca buku sepanjang malam. (I will be reading a book all night long.)
• Kamu akan sedang menulis laporan besok pagi. (You will be writing a report tomorrow morning.)
• Dia akan sedang memasak makanan di dapur. (He/She will be cooking food in the kitchen.)
• Kami akan sedang menonton film di bioskop. (We will be watching a movie at the cinema.)
• Kalian akan sedang belajar bahasa Inggris di sekolah. (You all will be learning English at school.)
• Mereka akan sedang bermain musik di panggung. (They will be playing music on the stage.)

2. Negative Sentences

• Saya tidak akan sedang mengerjakan tugas rumah. (I will not be doing homework.)
• Kamu tidak akan sedang bermain game komputer. (You will not be playing computer games.)
• Dia tidak akan sedang membaca novel di perpustakaan. (He/She will not be reading a novel at the library.)
• Kami tidak akan sedang menari di panggung. (We will not be dancing on the stage.)
• Kalian tidak akan sedang berenang di kolam renang. (You all will not be swimming in the swimming pool.)
• Mereka tidak akan sedang menggambar di kelas seni. (They will not be drawing in the art class.)

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When using the past future continuous tense in Indonesian, learners often make some common mistakes. Here are a few errors to watch out for:

1. Confusing Verb Forms

One common mistake is using the wrong verb form in the past future continuous tense. It is essential to use the root verb with the suffix “-i” to indicate the past tense. For example, using “belajar” (to study) instead of “belajari” (to have studied) is incorrect.

2. Mixing Up Auxiliary Verbs

Another mistake is using the wrong auxiliary verb “akan” (will). It is crucial to use “akan” to indicate future tense, while “sudah” (already) or “telah” (have) are used for the perfect tense. Mixing up these auxiliary verbs can lead to confusion in the intended meaning.

3. Forgetting the “Sedang” Aspect

The continuous aspect is an essential part of the past future continuous tense. Forgetting to include the verb “sedang” (to be doing) can result in the sentence losing the intended meaning. Always remember to use “sedang” to emphasize the ongoing nature of the action.

Conclusion

The past future continuous tense in Indonesian allows speakers to express ongoing actions in the past that will continue into the future. By using the auxiliary verb “akan” (will), the verb “sedang” (to be doing), and the root verb in its verb + suffix “-i” form, learners can accurately convey the continuity and duration of an action. It is crucial to pay attention to the correct formation, usage, and common mistakes to avoid when using this tense. With practice and proper understanding, mastering the past future continuous tense will undoubtedly enhance your proficiency in Indonesian language.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can the past future continuous tense be used to describe ongoing actions in the present?

No, the past future continuous tense is specifically used to describe ongoing actions in the past that will continue into the future. To describe ongoing actions in the present, the present continuous tense should be used.

2. Are there any exceptions to the formation of the past future continuous tense?

No, the formation of the past future continuous tense follows a consistent pattern. The auxiliary verb “akan,” combined with “sedang” and the root verb in its verb + suffix “-i” form, is used to create this tense.

3. Can the past future continuous tense be used in formal writing?

Yes, the past future continuous tense can be used in formal writing to describe ongoing actions in the past that will continue into the future. However, it is essential to use the tense appropriately and maintain a formal writing tone throughout the text.

4. Is the past future continuous tense commonly used in spoken Indonesian?

Yes, the past future continuous tense is commonly used in spoken Indonesian, especially in conversations where ongoing actions in the past that will continue into the future need to be expressed. It adds clarity and specificity to the speaker’s intentions.

5. How can I practice using the past future continuous tense in Indonesian?

To practice using the past future continuous tense, it is helpful to engage in conversations or writing exercises where you can describe ongoing actions in the past that will continue into the future. You can also seek feedback from native speakers or language tutors to improve your proficiency in using this tense accurately.

Summary

The past future continuous tense in Indonesian is a valuable tool for expressing ongoing actions in the past that will continue into the future. By using the correct formation and understanding its usage, learners can convey a sense of continuity and duration in their speech and writing. Avoiding common mistakes and practicing regularly will undoubtedly enhance your command of the Indonesian language. With this comprehensive guide, you are now equipped with the knowledge and skills to confidently use the past future continuous tense in Indonesian.