Unit 110: When ...

Master time clauses

A. When I went out, it was raining.

This sentence has two parts:

part A + part B
When I went out + it was raining.

You can begin with part A or part B:

• When I went out, it was raining.
• It was raining when I went out.

We write a comma (,) if part A (When ...) is before part B:

• When you're tired, don't drive.
• Don't drive when you're tired.
• Ann was very happy when she passed her exam.
• When Ann passed her exam, she was very happy.

We do the same in sentences with before/while/after:

• Always look both ways before you cross the road.
• Before you cross the road, always look both ways.
• While I was waiting for the bus, it began to rain.
• It began to rain while I was waiting for the bus.
• He never played football again after he broke his leg.
• After he broke his leg, he never played football again.

B. When I am ... / When I go ... etc.

When I am in New York

When I am in New York

We use the present (I am / I go etc.) with a future meaning after when:

• When I get home this evening, I'm going to have a shower. (not 'When I will get home')
• I can't talk to you now. I'll talk to you later when I have more time.

We do the same after before/while/after/until:

• Please close the window before you go out. (not 'before you will go')
• Julia is going to live in our flat while we are away. (not 'while we will be')
• I'll stay here until you come back. (not 'until you will come back')

when / before / while / after

When I went out, it was raining.
It was raining when I went out.
Don't drive when you're tired.
Before you cross the road, always look both ways.
It began to rain while I was waiting for the bus.
After he broke his leg, he never played football again.

Present with future meaning

When I get home this evening, I'm going to have a shower.
I'll talk to you later when I have more time.
Please close the window before you go out.
I'll stay here until you come back.

110.1 Make sentences beginning with when. Choose from the boxes.

I went out
I'm tired
I phoned her
I go on holiday the programme ended I arrived at the hotel
I switched off the TV
I always go to the same place
there were no rooms
it was raining
I like to watch TV
she wasn't there
  1. When I went out, it was raining.
  2. .
  3. .
  4. .
  5. .
  6. .

110.2 Complete the sentences. Choose from the box.

somebody broke into the house
before they crossed the road
while they were away
they went to live in New Zealand
before they came here
when they heard the news
they didn't believe me
  1. They looked both ways before they crossed the road.
  2. They were very surprised .
  3. After they got married, .
  4. The letter arrived .
  5. Where did they live ?
  6. While they were asleep, .
  7. When I told them the news, .

110.3 Which is right? Choose the correct form.

  1. I'll stay here until you come / will come back.
  2. I'm going to bed when I finish / I'll finish my work.
  3. We must do something before it's / it will be too late.
  4. Julia is going away soon. I'm / I'll be very sad when she leaves / she'll leave.
  5. Don't go out yet. Wait until the rain stops / will stop.
  6. We come / We'll come and visit you when we're / we'll be in England again.
  7. When I come / I'll come to see you tomorrow, I bring / I'll bring the photographs.
  8. I'm going to Paris next week. I hope to see some friends of mine while I'm / I'll be there.
  9. 'Don't forget to give me your address.' 'OK, I give / I'll give it to you before I go / I'll go.'

110.4 Use your own ideas to complete these sentences.

  1. Can you close the window before you go out?
  2. What are you going to do ?
  3. When I have more time, .
  4. I'll wait for you .
  5. When I start my new job, .
  6. Will you be here ?
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Interactive English Grammar • Unit 110 • Page 228-229