What are Future Time Clauses?
A future time clause uses a time conjunction (after, as soon as, before, until, when) to connect two parts of a sentence about the future. The key rule is: we do not use will in the time clause. Instead, we use the present simple.
Main clause (will / going to) + time conjunction + time clause (present simple)
— or —
Time conjunction + time clause (present simple) + , + main clause (will / going to)
The Five Conjunctions
when — at the moment that
I will call you when I arrive.
before — earlier than
Finish your homework before you watch TV.
after — later than
After she graduates, she is going to travel.
as soon as — immediately when
I'll text you as soon as I get the results.
until — up to the point that
He won't stop practicing until he gets it right.
More Examples
We will leave when everyone is ready. ✓ (not 'will be')
Before he starts the job, he will need to sign a contract. ✓
She is going to rest until she feels better. ✓
As soon as the meeting ends, I'll let you know. ✓
After you finish the course, you will get a certificate. ✓
⚠ Common mistakes:
✗ I will call you when I will arrive. → ✓ I will call you when I arrive.
✗ She won't leave before she will finish. → ✓ She won't leave before she finishes.
✗ As soon as he will get home, he'll eat. → ✓ As soon as he gets home, he'll eat.