Lesson

Adverbial clauses of time

Complex time clauses

≈ 15 min 8 block(s)

Text

What are adverbial clauses of time?

Adverbial clauses of time are dependent clauses that tell us when something happens. They begin with time conjunctions (when, while, before, after, as soon as, until, by the time, once, since) and they are used with different tenses depending on the timing of events.

  • They answer the question: when?
  • They are introduced by time conjunctions (e.g., when, after, before).
  • They affect the choice of tense in the clause and in the main clause (sequence of tenses).

Table

Common Time Conjunctions and Examples

Conjunction Use Example
when Point in time; can refer to past, present or future I'll send the agenda when I finish the draft.
while Two actions happening at the same time (often continuous) While the team was meeting, I updated the slide deck.
before Something that happens earlier We reviewed the budget before the board meeting.
after Something that happens later After she signed the contract, the project began.
as soon as Immediate sequence; often used for future events As soon as the client confirms, we will schedule the call.
until / till Up to a point in time Stay on the line until I transfer your call.
by the time Indicates a deadline or a point already reached By the time the CEO arrived, the presentation was ready.
once After one event is completed, the next happens Once the report is approved, distribute it to the team.
since From a past point until now (often with perfect tenses) We have been hiring since the start of the quarter.

Tip

Key rule: Tense and word order in time clauses

Remember two important points when you use time clauses:

  • Use the present simple (not will) in a time clause referring to the future: "I'll email you when the report is ready."
  • Use past perfect in the time clause to show an earlier action in the past: "After the team had finished the report, we met."
  • Place a comma after the time clause if it comes before the main clause: "Before the meeting, review the slides."

Think: present simple in time clauses for future events; past perfect for earlier past actions.

Example

Examples in context

I'll call HR when I receive the candidate's CV.

While the CEO was speaking, the team took notes.

After we signed the agreement, we allocated the budget.

As soon as the client approves the design, we'll begin production.

Tip

Common mistakes with time clauses

Watch out for these frequent errors learners make with adverbial clauses of time:

  • Using 'will' in the time clause for future events: incorrect → "I'll call when I'll arrive."
  • Incorrect tense sequence for past events (forgetting past perfect for the earlier action).
  • Wrong word order in questions formed with time clauses.
  • Confusing 'while' (two simultaneous actions) with 'when' (point in time) or vice versa.

Focus on tense choice and the position of commas when the time clause comes first.

Quiz

Choose the correct sentence:

Hint: Remember: time clauses about the future use present simple, not 'will'.

Quiz

Complete: We'll begin the project _____ the contract is signed.

Hint: Think about the order of events: which word shows 'later than'?

Quiz

Choose the correct sentence:

Hint: Focus on which action happened first and use past perfect for that action.

Key Points

GrammarPoint

when

conjunction CEFR A2 //wɛn//

Introduces a time clause referring to a point in time.

Call me when you arrive at the office.

GrammarPoint

while

conjunction CEFR B1 //waɪl//

Introduces two simultaneous actions; often used with continuous tenses.

While the team was working, I prepared the report.

GrammarPoint

after

conjunction CEFR A2 //ˈæftər//

Indicates that one action happens later than another.

After the meeting ended, we sent the minutes.

GrammarPoint

before

conjunction CEFR A2 //bɪˈfɔːr//

Shows that one action happens earlier than another.

Review the draft before you submit it.

Expression

as soon as

conjunction CEFR B1 //æz suːn æz//

Indicates an immediate action following another; commonly used for future sequences.

As soon as the data is available, send the summary.

GrammarPoint

until

preposition/conjunction CEFR A2 //ʌnˈtɪl//

Indicates continuation up to a specific point in time.

Please wait until I finish the call.

Expression

by the time

expression CEFR B2 //baɪ ðə taɪm//

Refers to a deadline or a point already reached when another action occurs.

By the time the report arrived, the meeting had finished.

GrammarPoint

past perfect

verb tense CEFR B2 //pæst ˈpɜːrfɪkt//

A tense used to show that one past action happened before another past action (had + past participle).

After the client had signed the document, we initiated payment.