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:
p a s t
1 2 f u t u r
e
X X X
4. p a s t
1 2 f u t u r
e
X X X
• 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. p a s t
1 2 f u t u r
e
X X X
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.
p a s t
1 2 f u t u r
e
X do my homework X
(9:00-10:59)
• 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.
p a s t I do my homework f u t u r
e
X My roommate sleeps
• While my roommate sleeps, I’ll be doing my homework.
• When my roommate sleeps, I’ll be doing my homework.
11. p a s t I do my homework f u t u r
e
X My roommate sleeps
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.
12. Got it? Awesome!
• Please do exercises 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, and 2.4
(pages 79-82).
• We’ll check them in class Thursday and go
over any questions you have.
Thanks!
