Future Time Clauses

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Today, we'll dive into how to use conjunctions like 'when,' 'before,' 'after,' 'as soon as,' 'once,' and 'until' to discuss future events :)

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Warm-up

Take a look at this timeline, and imagine that it describes your day tomorrow. Complete the sentences below and tell me about your ideal day:

When I wake up, I will...

Once lunchtime arrives, I will...

As soon as I finish breakfast, I will...

When I get home, I will...

Before I start work tomorrow, I will...

As soon as I finish eating dinner, I will...

After I start work, I will take a break to...

Before I go to bed, I will...

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When I wake up, I will eat breakfast. - What will I do first, wake up or eat breakfast? - Which tense is used after ‘when’? - Which tense is used in the second clause?

Theory - part 1

Now let’s learn the rules behind the future time clauses.

Exercise 1

Fill in the gaps with correct tenses.

I'll call you as soon as I __________ at the station. (arrive)

We __________ watching the movie when you finish your dinner. (start)

She's going to apply for the scholarship once she __________ her latest exam results. (receive)

I will sign up for the dance class once I __________ a partner to join me. (find)

They plan to travel around Europe as soon as they __________ from university. (graduate)

When the rain stops, we __________ for a walk in the park. (go)

She'll let us know her decision after she __________ all the options. (consider)

Answer key

Exercise 2

Choose the correct tense and answer the questions.

When you retire/will retire, what's the first thing you’re going to do?

What are you going to buy as soon as you save/will save enough money?

Once the weather gets/will get warmer, what outdoor activities are you planning to do?

After you finish/will finish watching the TV show you’re currently watching, what will you watch next?

What books are you going to read before the year is /will be over?

Until you land/will land your dream job, what steps will you take to improve your qualifications?

Answer key

Exercise 3

Fill in the gaps and watch the clips to check your answers:

"This month's TV payment. I hope this TV fad ain't over before I… ( get) back home. Why, lookee here. Laundry inventory forms." "I'll get right on it as soon as the game … (be) over.

"I should tell you this, unless the culprit behind these attacks … (be) caught, it is likely the school will be closed." (play the video at 1:33)

vocabulary explanation

“Dad, will you take care of Edison while I'm in Antarctica, and also for forever if I freeze and die while I … (be) there?”

“Oh and hey, those little spelling tips will come in handy when you … (be) at home on Saturday nights playing Scrabble with Monica!”

"Well, I gotta say it's not as bad as I thought it would be. The football game's not on, so I can still watch it later at home. And it's kinda cool to visit a time before electricity was invented." "Can we please eat?" "No eating until the captain … (get) here, okay? Sorry" "Don't apologize. I'd rather spend Thanksgiving at your house than with my sister."

"She's married. She has a husband." "What if the husband person is the wrong guy and you are the right guy? If you don't meet her now, you're going to be kicking yourself when you … (be) 80, which is hard to do and that's how you break a hip."

"Hey, look at me. I know that things have been kind of up and down for me lately and it's been hard for you. But I really feel like my moment's coming and when it … (do), everything's just gonna come together, you know?"

"Bad boys, whatcha gonna (=what are you going to) do when they … (come) for you?”

(play at 0:26)

Extra exercise for all the clips from exercise 3

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Exercise 4

Let’s practise some more! Fill in the gaps.

I __________ you the photos the moment I __________ them on my computer. (show / find)

As long as you __________ the instructions, you __________ any problems. (follow / not have)

What __________ (we) __________ if the museum __________ closed on Monday? (do / be)

He __________ to the gym after he __________ his homework. (go / finish)