Time Clauses
Time clauses say when the main action happens, using conjunctions like 'when', 'while', 'as soon as', 'until', and 'by the time'. In future contexts the time clause uses a present tense, not 'will'.
Level B1
Clauses
Summary
- Time clauses say when the main action happens, using conjunctions like 'when', 'while', 'as soon as', 'until', and 'by the time'. In future contexts the time clause uses a present tense, not 'will'.
Structure
main clause + when/while/as soon as/until/before/after + present tense (for future)
Examples
- I'll call you as soon as I arrive.
- While she was cooking, he set the table.
- Wait here until I get back.
- By the time we reached the cinema, the film had started.
Common mistakes
- • Using 'will' in the time clause: 'when I will arrive' should be 'when I arrive'.
- • Confusing 'when' (point/sequence) with 'while' (simultaneous duration).
Related
More clauses
Relative Clauses (Defining)
B1
Use defining relative clauses to give essential information that identifies which person or thing you mean. Use who for people, which for things, and that for both. No commas are used.
Reported Speech
B2
Use reported speech to tell someone what another person said without quoting their exact words. Tenses usually shift back, and pronouns and time expressions often change.
Reported Statements
B1
Reported statements relay what someone said without quoting them directly. Tenses usually shift back one step, and pronouns and time expressions change to fit the new viewpoint.
Reported Questions
B2
Reported questions turn a direct question into a statement-order clause. Yes/no questions use 'if' or 'whether', and there is no inversion or question mark in the reported form.
Reported Commands and Requests
B2
Commands and requests are reported with a verb plus an object and a to-infinitive. Negative commands use 'not to' before the verb.
Reporting Verbs and Patterns
C1
Beyond 'say' and 'tell', many reporting verbs summarise the function of what was said. Each follows its own grammatical pattern, such as verb + gerund, verb + object + infinitive, or verb + that-clause.