English (UK) · Future

Time Clauses: when, as soon as, until

When a sentence is about the future, the time clause after when, as soon as, until, before or after uses the present simple. The future form (will, going to) goes only in the main clause.

I'll call you when I arrive. (not when I will arrive)
We'll start as soon as everyone is here.
Wait here until I come back.
Before you leave, turn off the lights.

If you want to stress that one action is finished before the other one starts, you can also use the present perfect: I'll lend you the book after I have read it.

This rule is only for time clauses. In a question such as When will you arrive? you still use will. Many languages use a future tense in time clauses, so watch out for this common mistake.

Examples

I'll phone you when I get to the station.
As soon as the film starts, turn off your phone.
We'll wait until the rain stops.
Before you go out, close the windows.
She'll feel better after she has had a rest.

Try it yourself

I'll call you when I (to arrive).Show answer

I'll call you when I arrive.

We'll start as soon as everyone (to be) here.Show answer

We'll start as soon as everyone is here.

Wait here until I (to come) back.Show answer

Wait here until I come back.

Before you (to leave), turn off the lights.Show answer

Before you leave, turn off the lights.

I'll tell her the news when I (to see) her.Show answer

I'll tell her the news when I see her.

When you (to be) in London, visit the British Museum.Show answer

When you are in London, visit the British Museum.

She'll text you when her plane (to land).Show answer

She'll text you when her plane lands.

We'll play tennis after the rain (to stop).Show answer

We'll play tennis after the rain stops.

I'll wait until the film (to finish).Show answer

I'll wait until the film finishes.

As soon as I (to find) my keys, we'll go.Show answer

As soon as I find my keys, we'll go.

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Time Clauses: when, as soon as, until

Examples

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