Want to make your English sound smoother and more natural? There’s a simple “time travel” rule that native speakers use automatically. When you talk about the future or past using time words like `when`, `after`, or `before`, the verb tense simplifies in a very logical way. 🕰️
Function & Usage
When a sentence has a main action and a time clause (a part starting with `when`, `before`, `after`, `as soon as`, `until`), the time clause “borrows” its sense of time from the main clause. This allows us to use a simpler tense, which sounds much more natural.
- For Future Events: After a time word, we use the present simple, even though we are talking about the future. The future (`will`) is already clear from the main clause.
Example: “I will text you as soon as my plane lands.” (Not “will land”). - For Past Events: When telling a story in the past, the time clause often uses the past simple to keep the sequence clear and simple.
Example: “She waited until the rain stopped.”
The Structure (Form)
The main clause establishes the time frame, and the time clause follows its lead with a simpler tense.
| Time Frame | Main Clause | Time Clause |
|---|---|---|
| Future | Future Simple (will + verb) | when / after / before + Present Simple |
| Past | Past Simple | when / after / before + Past Simple |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using “will” in future time clauses: This is the biggest and most common mistake. Once you say “will” in the main clause, you don’t need it in the time clause. Incorrect: “I’ll be happy when this will be over.” Correct: “I’ll be happy when this is over.”
Let’s see it in action! 🎬
Person A: Are you coming to the party tonight?
Person B: Yes, but I’ll be a little late. I will come right after I finish my work.
Friend 1: Don’t forget to call me when you get to the airport.
Friend 2: I won’t. I’ll call you before I board the plane.
Storyteller: He felt much better after he talked to his friend. Before he made the call, he was very worried.
Check Your Understanding! ✅
1. I will send you the document when I to the office. (get)
2. She will be very happy after she the news. (hear)
3. Don’t start the movie until I . (arrive)
4. He started his new job after he from university. (graduate)
5. I’ll read your email as soon as I a moment. (have)
6. She will call you when she ___ ready.
7. After he ___ the book, he watched the movie.
8. I won’t go out until the rain ___.
9. Please check your answers before you ___ the test.
10. We will have dinner as soon as your father ___ home.
