Time Clauses

[ctivnan]

A Time Clause is a part of a sentence that has its own subject and verb, and begins with time expressions (time clause markers), such as before, after, when, as soon as, or until. This clause can be placed at the beginning or end of a sentence. If you put it in the beginning, a comma precedes the main clause.

e.g.
When I read the article, I was very shocked.
(the time clause is followed by a comma before the main clause.)

I was very shocked when I read the article.
(no need for a comma since you started your sentence with a main clause)


PAST TIME CLAUSE

time expression + simple past tense, simple past tense

e.g.
When I read the article, i decided to print it.
(both clauses are in the past)


PRESENT TIME CLAUSE

time expression + simple present, simple present

e.g.
After a person jogs regularly for a period of time, his/her blood pressure goes down.
(both clauses are in the present)


FUTURE TIME CLAUSE

time expression + simple present, simple future

e.g.
As soon as I finish this, I'll take a shower.