Time-Relative Events
The timing of two connected events
Time-Related Clauses
| MAIN CLAUSE | TIME-RELATIVE CLAUSE |
|---|---|
When we wish to place importance on the time frames of two scheduled or planned activities, we introduce the first activity and then join the second activity using a time-relative preposition. Use will in the main clause. |
Join the second clause with a time-relative preposition (after, before, while, when, as long as, as soon as, until, or by the time) indicating "earlier", "later", or "same time". Use the simple present tense in this clause. |
| FIRST ACTIVITY | SECOND ACTIVITY |
I will make tea |
before we watch TV. (earlier than the TV start time) |
I will have made tea |
by the time he arrives. (possibly before but no later than when he arrives)
|
| SAME-TIME ACTIVITY | SAME-TIME ACTIVITY |
I will be making tea |
while we watch TV. (during TV time) |
I will make tea
|
when we watch TV. (at TV time)
|
We will be drinking tea |
as long as we are watching TV. (throughout the TV time)
|
| SECOND ACTIVITY | FIRST ACTIVITY |
I will make tea |
after we watch TV. (later than the TV start time) |
I will make tea |
as soon as we watch TV. (at the TV starting time) |
I won't make tea (negative) |
until we watch TV. (at the TV starting time) |
the moment – as soon as, when– We have to leave the moment he gets here.
See After/ Before/ When (Grammar Notes for terms.) , By the time
(UUEG 17-2, 368) (CaGEL (7.3, 696) (PEU "After: adverb" 29.1-1)
Time Related-Events
A Later Event
After vs. Afterwards
| AFTER | |
|---|---|
After introduces the first activity clause when two time-related activities are mentioned in paired clauses. (when, the moment, as soon as – immediately after) |
|
| SECOND | FIRST ACTIVITY |
I will teach |
after I get my degree. |
|
when I get my degree. |
|
the moment I get my degree. |
|
as soon as I get my degree. |
|
|
|
|
| AFTERWARDS | |
|---|---|
Afterward(s) is used to introduce a second activity (not after). The -s is more commonly used in British English. |
|
| FIRST | SECOND ACTIVITY |
I'll get my degree. |
*After, I'll teach at a university. (not used) |
|
Afterwards, I'll teach at a university. |
|
Shortly after, I'll teach at a university. |
|
Not long after, I'll teach at a university. |
|
After that, I'll teach at a university. |
I will get my degree⇒ |
before I teach at a university. (unlikely!) |
*Instead of after use afterward(s) or after that.
Punctuation
Comma Use
Initial vs. Final Clause Position
| INITIAL POSITION |
|---|
|
| USE A COMMA |
As soon as you get here, we'll leave. |
Before I drink coffee, my head aches. |
After I drink coffee, my headache stops. |
When you give me the keys, I'll start driving. |
A time-relative preposition and its clause can be moved to the beginning of the sentence with a comma placed after it (separating the clauses.)| MID POSITION |
|---|
|
| USE NO COMMA |
We'll leave as soon as you get here. |
My head hurts before I drink coffee. |
My headache stops after I drink coffee. |
I'll start driving when you give me the keys. |
When a time-relative preposition is placed between the two clauses,
Common Mistakes
Errors & Solutions
| ERROR | SOLUTION |
|---|---|
*After I will make a telephone call, we can leave. |
After I make a telephone call, we can leave. (omit will) |
*We went to dinner, and after, went dancing. |
We went to dinner, and then, went dancing. (After is seldom used alone. Use and then instead.) |
We have to leave at the moment he gets here. (not incorrect, but not used) |
We have to leave the moment he gets here. as soon as, when (The preposition at is usually omitted.) |
Resources
Practice 1
Travel
Enter the correct tense and subject-verb agreement.
- Select the response from the menu that best completes the sentence.
- Compare your response to the answer by clicking the "check" button.
Practice 2
Time-relative Events
Mara: Will you remember to email me as soon as you (get)____ there?
Jack: I won't be able to email you until I (have)____ a WiFi connection.
Mara: OK then. When it (be)____ 11:30, I'll check to see if the flight has landed.
Jack: Would you also phone Aunt Carol after the plane (land)____?"
Mara: Yes, she (be)____ waiting in the cell phone lot nearby until she hears from me.
Jack: Great! I'll call you as soon as I (get)____ to her home.
Which tense would you use, future or present?
- Select the response from the menu that best completes the sentence.
- Compare your response to the answer by clicking the "check" button.
WiFi- data exchange over a wireless Internet network