Time Clauses (Future) – How do we form them?
Adverbial time clauses consist of a main clause and a time clause. The time clauses begin with the following expressions: after, as soon as, before, till, until, when, whenever, while, or time expressions such as the minute, the moment, etc.
We do not use the future tense (will) in a time clause for the description of future activities (in this respect it is similar to an “if” clause).
- When we talk about past or present events, we use regular tenses for time clauses.
- We wash our hands before we leave the bathroom.
- After she graduated, she found a good job.
- When we had saved enough money, we bought a house.
- Whenever she has a chance, she sings.
- But when we talk about the future, we use present tenses. The future form is only used in the main clause and is not repeated in the time clause.
- When the baby is born, we will move to a new house.
- I will wait until the price goes down.
- Shall we go to the cinema after I finish my homework? (shall – 1st person sg., pl.)
a) will/shall + infinitive
- When I find your mobile, I’ll let you know.
- Shall we go to the cinema when I finish my homework?
b) imperative
- Please read the contract carefully before you sign it.
- Be kind and call me once you land.
c) a modal verb + infinitive
- When you see Kate, can you tell her to call me?
- You should pack your things before the taxi arrives.
d) be going to + infinitive
- She is going to get married after she finishes university.
e) present continuous
- You are not going anywhere until you confess.
a) present simple
- When I see it, I’ll believe it.
- The moment you open the door, you’ll get a surprise.
b) present continuous
- While I am waiting for a tram, I’ll drink my tea.
- He will save a lot of money while he is living with his parents.
c) present perfect simple (if we want to emphasise that the action in the time clause has been completed)
- We will make our decision after we have discussed the matter with the bank manager.
- I’ll print it out for you after I have made all the changes.
Note
Present tenses are sometimes interchangeable, but not always.
- I’ll call you when I walk/am walking my dog. (means walking the dog and talking on the phone at the same time)
- I’ll call you when I have walked my dog. (means walking the dog before talking on the phone)
Note no.2
The time clause can either come before or after the main clause. If the time clause comes first, it is followed by a comma. But if the main clause comes first, there is no comma.
- I won’t come until he invites me.
- As soon as I have enough money, I’m going to buy a new car.