Future time clauses: when, as soon as, until
The present after time words about the future: I'll call you when I get home, wait until I come back.
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A time clause starts with a word like when, as soon as, before, after or until and says when something will happen. When the sentence is about the future, the verb in the time clause is in the present, not will. The other part of the sentence has its usual future form.
Present after the time word
Time word | Example |
|---|---|
when | I'll call you when I get home. |
as soon as | We'll start as soon as everyone arrives. |
before | Turn off the lights before you leave. |
after | After the film finishes, we'll go for a pizza. |
until | I'll wait here until you come back. |
- When I see Tom tomorrow, I'll give him the book.
- She's going to look for a job after she graduates.
- Incorrect: When I will come home, I'll call you.
- Correct: When I come home, I'll call you.After when, use the present for the future.
- Incorrect: I'll text you as soon as the train will arrive.
- Correct: I'll text you as soon as the train arrives.
As soon as: immediately
As soon as means "immediately when". The second action happens straight after the first.
- I'll send you the photos as soon as I get them.
- As soon as the shop opens, we'll buy the tickets.
Present perfect for a finished action
If the first action must be complete before the second one starts, you can use the present perfect in the time clause.
- I'll call you when I've finished the report.
- You can go home as soon as you've signed these papers.
- After you've read the letter, give it to me.
Often both forms are correct with little difference: when I finish and when I've finished.
- Incorrect: You can use my laptop after I will finish my work.
- Correct: You can use my laptop after I've finished my work.In the time clause, use the present perfect or the present simple, not will.
Until: a positive verb
Until (or till in speech) means "up to that time". The verb after it is usually positive, even where other languages put a negative.
- Let's wait until the rain stops.
- I'll stay at the office until the meeting ends.
- Incorrect: I won't go to bed until you won't come back.
- Correct: I won't go to bed until you come back.Until already means "up to the moment", so the verb after it is positive and present.
When or if?
Use when for something you are sure will happen, and if for something that may or may not happen. Both take the present for the future.
- I'll call you when I get to the hotel. (I'm sure I'll get there.)
- I'll call you if there is a problem. (Maybe there won't be.)
The comma
When the time clause comes first, put a comma after it. When it comes second, no comma is needed.
- As soon as I hear from them, I'll let you know.
- I'll let you know as soon as I hear from them.
When will ...? A question is different
When can also be a question word. Then it is not a time clause, and will is correct. The same is true after I don't know when or Do you know when.
- When will the results be ready?
- I don't know when she'll arrive.
- Incorrect: I'll be glad when this week will be over.
- Correct: I'll be glad when this week is over.Here when is a time word, not a question, so it takes the present.
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