Time linkers join two actions and show how they connect in time: at the same moment, one right after the other, or up to a certain point. There's one big rule to remember: when you talk about the future, use the present tense after these words, not will.
The pattern
As soon as I get home, I'll call you.
The phone rang while I was taking a shower.
01When, while and as
When is the general word: at that time. Use it for single moments and for ages and periods of life (when I was in college). While means during, and it goes with a longer, ongoing action, often in the past continuous. As is similar, but it's a little more formal and often shows two things happening at the exact same moment or changing together.
- When I got to the office, the meeting had already started.
- Someone stole my bike while I was at the gym.
- As the plane took off, my ears started to hurt.
- When I was a teenager, I worked at a pizza place.
02As soon as, before and after
As soon as means immediately after. Before and after show the order of two actions. After before and after, you can use a full clause (after I finish) or an -ing form (after finishing), but never to + verb.
- Text me as soon as you land.
- Wash your hands before you eat.
- After graduating from college, she moved to Seattle.
- I always check the weather before leaving the house.
03Until: up to that point
Until means up to a certain time, and then something changes. It works with a time (until 6:00) or a clause (until you feel better). In negative sentences, not ... until means "not before": I didn't start driving until I was 25. In speech and texts, Americans often shorten until to till.
Don't confuse until with by. Until is for something that continues; by means no later than.
- Stay in bed until you feel better.
- The pharmacy is open until 9 p.m.
- We waited until the rain stopped.
- Please send me the form by Friday.
04Future: present tense after the time word
When the whole sentence is about the future, use will, going to or an instruction in the main clause, but use the present simple after when, as soon as, until, before and after. For an action that must be finished first, you can also use the present perfect: as soon as I've finished.
| Time clause (present) | Main clause (future or instruction) |
|---|---|
| As soon as I get home, | I'll call you. |
| When you see Maria, | tell her I said hi. |
| Before we leave, | I'm going to check the stove. |
| Until you hear from me, | don't sign anything. |
| After I've finished this email, | I'll help you. |
05Common mistakes
I'll call you as soon as I will get home.
I'll call you as soon as I get home.
After time words, use the present for the future, not will.
While the phone rang, I was taking a shower.
The phone rang while I was taking a shower.
While goes with the longer, ongoing action, not the short one.
After finish work, I usually go to the gym.
After I finish work, I usually go to the gym.
After before and after, use a full clause or an -ing form (after finishing).
I need the report until Friday.
I need the report by Friday.
Until is for something that continues. By means no later than.