Use the present simple or continuous in time clauses with when, while, before, after, until, and as soon as, as in I’ll call you when I arrive, never will. The main clause carries the future form, as in she’ll finish the report before she leaves.
Grammar Rule
The time clause always uses the present (simple or continuous), never will; the main clause carries the future form.
Time Clauses (Consolidation): Rules and Examples
| Clause | Tense | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Time clause (when/until/as soon as) | present simple | I’ll call you when I arrive. Wait here until I come back. |
| Time clause (while, action in progress) | present continuous | While I’m cooking, can you set the table? |
| Main clause | will / future form | She’ll finish the report before she leaves. By the time we arrive, the show will have started. |
Remember: use present simple (not will) in the time clause; use will/future in the main clause.
Practice Test
Instructions
Answer each question in the test below using the correct tense in the time clause and the main clause. You will get a new random set of questions every time you retake the test, plus a downloadable results summary with your name and score at the end.
Time Clauses – Consolidation
Click «Start the test» to begin right away — no signup required. You can get a personalized certificate with your name and score at the end, if you want one.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tense do you use in a time clause with when or until?
The present simple, never will, as in I’ll call you when I arrive.
What tense do you use in a time clause with while for an action in progress?
The present continuous, as in while I’m cooking, can you set the table.
What tense does the main clause take?
Will or another future form, as in she’ll finish the report before she leaves.
Can you say I’ll call you when I will arrive?
No, will is never used in the time clause; the correct form is I’ll call you when I arrive.