Listen First
Okay, let’s finalize the timeline. I’ll send the final draft to the client as soon as I get the manager’s feedback.
Right. And we can’t start the next phase until the client gives the official green light.
Exactly. I’ll schedule the launch meeting for the moment the website goes live.
This reminds me of the Orion project. We ran into issues because we started production before the client officially approved the final designs.
I remember that. The chaos that ensued the moment the client realized we’d used the wrong assets was incredible.
We’ve learned from that. We’ll make sure everything is in place before the launch begins.
Absolutely. I’ll let you know the second I hear anything from them.
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.
