B1+Conditionals, wishes and regrets

Future time clauses

Use present forms after future time conjunctions, and choose the present perfect when completion before the next future event matters.

Overview

What this grammar does

Use present forms after future time conjunctions, and choose the present perfect when completion before the next future event matters.

Form and rules

How it works

After when, before, after, as soon as, once, until and by the time, do not normally use will in the time clause.

Use present simple for a future event: I'll call when I arrive.

Use present perfect when completion is important: I'll call when I've finished.

The main clause can use will, an imperative or another suitable future/modal form.

Until focuses on continuation up to a point; by the time often emphasizes that another action will already be complete at that point.

A closer look

Meaning and use

The main clause can use will, an imperative or another suitable future/modal form.

Until focuses on continuation up to a point; by the time often emphasizes that another action will already be complete at that point.

Examples

See the pattern in complete sentences

I'll text you when I arrive.

We won't decide until we've seen the figures.

After you finish, you can leave.

By the time she gets here, we'll be ready.

Call me as soon as you've spoken to him.

Common mistakes

What to avoid

I'll send the file as soon as I will have checked it.

I'll send the file as soon as I have checked it.

After as soon as, use a present form for future meaning; the present perfect emphasizes that checking must be complete first.

Wait here until I came back.

Wait here until I come back.

After until with future meaning, use a present form.

Ready to practise?

The test combines multiple choice, gap completion, error correction, and sentence building so students have to recognise and produce the grammar, not simply reread the rule.

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