Adverb clauses of time are usually introduced by the time conjunctions after, before, while, until, as soon as, when.

When both clauses refer to the future, use a simple present in the time clause.

• I will call when I am ready. (NOT I will call when I will get ready.)
• I will do the shopping when I get time. (NOT … when I will get time.)

Worksheet

Complete the following sentences by supplying a suitable adverb clause of time.

1. We can go home …………………………………

2. …………………………….., I went home.

3. We went abroad ………………………………….

4. I always feed my cats and dogs ………………………………………

5. She was watching TV ………………………………….

6. You can’t go out ……………………………………

7. The children screamed ………………………………

8. I waited ……………………………….

9. ……………………………………., the students stopped talking.

Answers

1. We can go home when the meeting is over.

2. When it started raining, I went home.

3. He went abroad after he had finished his studies.

4. I always feed my cats and dogs before I have my breakfast.

5. She was watching TV while I was doing my home work.

6. You can’t go out before you have finished your job.

7. The children screamed when they saw a snake.

8. I waited until he came back.

9. As soon as the teacher entered the class, the students stopped talking.

Worksheet 2

Fill in the blanks with an adverb clause of time.

1. You should not start ……………………………………….

2. I used to read a lot ……………………………….

3. I had several strange experiences …………………………………………

4. …………………………………………, her face became red with anger.

5. …………………………………, he drastically improved his standard of living.

6. ……………………………………… millions of people died from cholera and malaria.

7. Please let me know ……………………………………….

8. ……………………….. , she started reading the next.

9. ………………………., I go for a walk.

10. She had gone ……………………………………….

11. The boy had already drowned …………………………………………..

12. I will write a novel ……………………………………..

Suggested Answers

1. until you hear from me

2. when I was at university

3. while I was living in Zambia

4. As soon as she saw me,

5. When he became rich

6. Before vaccines were developed

7. when you need help

8. As soon as she finished one novel

9. Whenever I feel bored

10. before I reached her place

11. before rescuers got to him

12. when I get time