Future time clauses, introduced by words like when, as soon as, before, after, and until, describe upcoming events and their relationship to another event in the main clause. While similar to first conditional in structure, they differ in their function and time frame.
Structure
- Future time clause (present tense)
- main clause (future tense, modal, imperative)
- Future time clause + , + main clause
- Main clause + future time clause
Examples
- When I’m 69, I will retire. (future)
- As soon as you arrive, call me. (imperative)
- Until you all finish, nobody can leave. (modal)
- You should text me before you come.
Caveats
When we use a verb after when, as soon as, before, afteror until to talk about the future, we have to use this verb in present tense (NOT future).
- You might need some help once you are there tomorrow.
References