Future Time Clauses

1. Future Time Clauses
ESL 422

2. • When we talk about two events in the future,
we can use one sentence with a future time
clause.
• A future time clause may begin with after, as
soon as, once, or when.
• These time words come before the earlier
action.

3. Look at this timeline:
X X X
2
p a s t f u t u r
e
1

4. X X X
2
p a s t f u t u r
e
1
• After I finish my homework, I’ll go to bed.
• As soon as I finish my homework, I’ll go to bed.
• Once I finish my homework, I’ll go to bed.
• When I finish my homework, I’ll go to bed.
What do you notice about
the verbs in these sentences?

5. • After I finish my homework, I’ll go to bed.
• As soon as I finish my homework, I’ll go to bed.
• Once I finish my homework, I’ll go to bed.
• When I finish my homework, I’ll go to bed.
The verb after the time word is
simple present (even though it will
happen in the future).

6. X X X
2
p a s t f u t u r
e
1
Before is another time word. It
comes before the later action.
Before I go to bed, I’ll finish my homework.
I’ll finish my homework before I go to bed.

7. Until is another time word. It comes before the earlier
action if that action will continue up to the second
action.
X X
domyhomework
(9:00-10:59)
1 2
p a s t f u t u r
e
• Until I go to bed, I’ll do homework.

8. We can put the time clause at the beginning or end of the
sentence.
• After I finish my homework,I’ll go to bed.
• I’ll go to bed after I finish my homework.
• As soon as I finish my homework,I’ll go to bed.
• I’ll go to bed as soon as I finish my homework.
If it’s at the beginning, use a comma to make your sentence
easier to read. (If it’s at the end, you don’t need a comma.)

9. In any of these sentences, you can use present perfect
after the time word.
It emphasizes that the action will be completed.
• Once I have finished my homework, I’ll go to bed.
• I’ll go to bed when I have finished my homework.
(This is less common than simple present.)

10. Use when or while if two future events will
happen at the same time.
• While my roommate sleeps, I’ll be doing my homework.
• When my roommate sleeps, I’ll be doing my homework.
X
Idomyhomework
p a s t f u t u r
e
Myroommatesleeps

11. X
Idomyhomework
p a s t f u t u r
e
Myroommatesleeps
Because the two events will happen at the same time, the
order of clauses doesn’t matter.
• While my roommate sleeps, I’ll be doing my homework.
• My roommate will be sleeping while I do my homework.
Just remember: the verb after the time word should be
simple present.