TIME CLAUSES

WHAT ARE TIME CLAUSES?Time clauses are sub-clauses introduced by one of the following conjunctions :

when, while, as soon as, after, before, until

They refer to the future time but they are not usually followed by a future form. Instead, we use a present simple.

EXAMPLESAs soon as I get home, I’ll have a shower.When I graduate, I’ll give a party / I’m going to give party.

I’ll stay there until you arrive.Before I leave, I’ll close the door.After I have worked, I’ll have a decent meal.Will you feed the cat while we’re away?

FORMTime clause : present tense (present simple, in exceptional cases present perfect)

As soon as I get home, …

Main clause : future tense (will + infinitive, sometimes the going to-form)

…, I’ll have a shower.

TIME-CLAUSE OR IF-CLAUSE?

Sentences with a time clause have the same structure as the first conditionals. However, ‘when’ and ‘if’ have a different meaning.

Compare :I’ll give it to John when I see him. (It is certain that I’ll see John.)I’ll give it to John if I see him. (if = in case)

When I’m in London, I’m going to buy a sweater. (I’m going to London in the near future)

If I’m in London, I’ll go shopping. (I may go to London but this is not certain yet).