Intermediate 📐 Grammar · #139 of 305

Time Clauses with When, As Soon As, Until

Use present simple for future meaning.

Examples

  • I'll call when I arrive.

Key rules

  • After time words use present tense for the future
  • Use present perfect to show completion: when I have finished
  • Not will after when, as soon as, until, before, after
  • As soon as means immediately after

Common mistakes

  • When I will arrive, I will call → When I arrive, I will call
  • Wait until he will come → Wait until he comes
💡 Tip: Present in time clause, will in main clause.
Practise this topic in the appPractise Intermediate quiz
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Related Intermediate topics

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Present Perfect Continuous

have been + -ing stresses duration up to now.

Past Perfect

had + past participle for an earlier past action.

Past Perfect Continuous

had been + -ing for duration before a past moment.

Future Continuous

will be + -ing for actions in progress at a future time.

Future Perfect

will have + past participle for completion before a future time.

Future Perfect Continuous

will have been + -ing for duration up to a future point.