Time clauses connect two events or situations using conjunctions like after, before, while, since, until, and when. A key rule: after time conjunctions, never use "will" for the future — use present simple instead. These clauses can also be compressed into gerund phrases for more formal, efficient writing.
3 subtopics — pick one to start practising
Time Conjunctions — After, Before, While, Since, Until
After + clause means when something is finished: "After she finished work, she went home." Before + clause means prior to: "I always warm up before I exercise." While + clause shows two simultaneous actions: "I listen to music while I commute." Since + clause marks the starting point of an ongoing situation (with perfect tenses): "I haven't eaten since I woke up." Until/till + clause shows duration up to a point: "Wait here until I return."
No "Will" After Time Conjunctions
After time conjunctions (when, after, before, as soon as, until, while, once, by the time), use present simple or present perfect — never "will" — even when talking about the future. "When I see her, I will tell her." NOT "When I will see her…" This is one of the most common errors with time clauses.
Gerund Time Phrases — Formal Compression
Time clauses with the same subject in both clauses can be compressed into a gerund phrase (after/before/while + -ing). "After I got my degree, I started working." → "After getting my degree, I started working." This sounds more formal and is common in written English. The gerund phrase must share its subject with the main clause.