Time clause

Keep in mind that we don't use the future tense in time clauses. Instead, the verb is in the present simple.

Jannie will answer when she is ready. WRONG when she will be ready

I must warn them before it is too late. WRONG before it will be too late

Shall we go for a walk after we finish tidying up? WRONG after we will finish

You will receive a notification as soon as the funds are credited to your account. WRONG as soon as the funds will be credited

I won't cross the street until the light is green. WRONG until the light will be green

You can notice that the use of tenses is similar to if-clauses with if, unless.

You won't speak English well if you don't practise enough.

The team won't win this game unless a miracle occurs.

The moment, the day etc.

We can also connect the time clause and the main clause with the words like "the moment", "the minute", "the day", "by the time", "once" etc. The rule is the same: time clause = present tense.

I will tell Harry the news the moment I see him.

By the time we get to the shop, it will be closed.

The day he graduates, his parents will be proud of him.

Once the report is ready, I will print it for you.

Time clauses with present perfect

Sometimes we want to stress that the action in the time clause is complete. In this case, we can use the present perfect.

Click "Save" after you've made all the changes.

I will reply to his email after I've discussed the matter with my boss.

Peter will phone me as soon as he has landed in Madrid.