Time clauses: as soon as, until, by the time
When, as soon as, until, before, after and by the time – and why we don't use will after them.
Time clauses tell us when something happens. They follow one very important rule – and Part 4 checks it again and again.
The golden rule
After time words, use a present tense to talk about the future – never will.
Other time words
How it comes up in Part 4
In Part 4 you complete the second sentence with the key word, so that it means the same as the first one (2–5 words).
SOON
I'll phone you as soon as I get home.
As soon as = immediately after.
UNTIL
He didn't realise his mistake until he saw the bill.
Only when → not … until.
AFTER
I went out after I had finished my essay.
After + past perfect shows the order.
Common mistakes
- ✗ I'll tell her when she will arrive.✓ I'll tell her when she arrives.No will after when.
- ✗ Don't go until I will say so.✓ Don't go until I say so.No will after until.
- ✗ I stayed until the end of the film finished.✓ I stayed until the film finished / until the end of the film.Until + clause or until + noun – not both.
In Part 4, 'only when' or 'only then' often becomes 'not … until'. And after any time word, write the present, not will.
Quick check
Complete the second sentence so that it means the same as the first. Use the key word and write 2–5 words.
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