Have you ever come across an English sentence that starts with time conjunctions like when, while, or after and wondered how to use them correctly? If you're unsure, let IDP help clarify. This article will walk you through the details of Adverbial Clauses of Time, including structures, usage, and examples tailored for the IELTS exam.
1. What Is an Adverbial Clause of Time?
An Adverbial Clause of Time is a dependent clause used to indicate the time an action takes place. It typically begins with time conjunctions such as when, before, after, as, by the time, while, until, as soon as, till, since, no sooner than, as long as, and others.
Examples:
My brother was playing games while my sister was doing housework.
After the rain stopped, we went outside to enjoy the fresh air.
My mom was cooking while my dad was talking on the phone.
2. Position of the Adverbial Clause of Time
Adverbial clauses of time can appear at the beginning, middle, or end of a sentence. When placed at the beginning, it must be followed by a comma.
Examples:
As soon as the concert started, the crowd erupted in excitement.
They decided to go on a road trip after the school semester was over.
In some cases, the time clause may appear in the middle of the sentence, acting as an interrupting element separated by commas.
Example:
Sarah, while she was cooking dinner, realized she had forgotten to buy an important ingredient.
3. Verb Tense Agreement Between Clauses
In English, when a sentence includes both a main clause and a time clause, the verb tense in the time clause determines the tense of the main clause. Pay close attention to tense consistency depending on the context.
When the time clause is in the present simple tense
Time conjunctions: until, when, as soon as, by, by the time
Structure:
Time Clause (Present Simple) | Main Clause (Future Simple or Future Perfect) |
S + V | S + will + V / will have + V3 |
Examples:
When the concert ends, we will head to the after-party.
By the time you arrive, I will have finished my work.
When the time clause is in the present perfect tense
Use the future simple in the main clause.
Examples:
After they have watched the movie, they will discuss their favorite scenes.
Linh will work for her father's company after she has graduated from university.
When the time clause is in the past simple tense
Use the past simple, past continuous, or past perfect in the main clause, depending on the context.
Examples:
By the time the meeting started, she had finished preparing her presentation.
While her brother played video games, she was studying for her final exam.
When the time clause is in the past continuous tense
Use past simple or past continuous in the main clause.
Examples:
He was chatting with his friends while his teacher was teaching the lesson.
While John's parents were preparing a delicious meal, he and his siblings watched movies.
When the time clause is in the past perfect tense
Use the past simple in the main clause.
Examples:
The thief was caught after he had stolen my mobile phone.
As soon as I had finished preparing a delicious meal, the power suddenly went out.
4. Reducing Adverbial Clauses of Time
Conditions for Reduction:
The adverbial clause must begin with a time conjunction.
The subject of both the main and adverbial clauses must be the same.
Steps to Reduce:
Remove the subject of the adverbial clause.
If the clause contains to be, omit it.
If the clause does not contain to be, change the verb to its V-ing form.
Examples:
After John was promoted, he took on more responsibilities. → After being promoted, John took on more responsibilities.
Before you go outside, turn off all the lights. → Before going outside, turn off all the lights.
5. Exercises on Adverbial Clauses of Time
Exercise 1: Choose the correct answer
Lan has learnt English since she _______ a small girl. A. is B. was C. has been D. had been
Do not go anywhere until I _______ back. A. come B. came C. will come D. am coming
Before cars ________, people ________ horses and bicycles. A. were discovered / had used B. discovering / had used C. had discovered / used D. discovered / had used
I am going to speak with the boss when the meeting _______. A. will end B. ends C. is ending D. would end
When we ________ him tomorrow, we will remind him. A. will see B. see C. am seeing D. saw
When he comes, I ________ her the news. A. tell B. will tell C. would tell D. would have told
When the police came, they ________. A. are fighting B. fought C. would be fighting D. were fighting
Before she came to England, she ________ English. A. studied B. will study C. had studied D. was studying
Exercise 2: Reduce the following time clauses
As she was texting her friend, she suddenly dropped her phone.
When I arrived at the party, I greeted my friends and joined the celebration.
Before John left for the airport, he had already packed his suitcase.
Since I started exercising regularly, I have noticed an improvement in my fitness.
As soon as she finishes her lunch, she will start her project.
Answer Key
Exercise 1
B
A
D
B
B
B
D
C
Exercise 2
Texting her friend, she suddenly dropped her phone.
Upon arriving at the party, I greeted my friends and joined the celebration.
Before leaving for the airport, John had already packed his suitcase.
Since starting regular exercise, I have noticed an improvement in fitness.
Upon finishing her lunch, she will start her project.
Master the Adverbial Clause of Time with IDP
We hope this article has helped you understand how to use Adverbial Clauses of Time in English. Although this is a slightly complex grammar point, practicing regularly will help you memorize the structures and avoid common mistakes.
Besides using self-study materials, you can register for free IELTS mock tests at IDP to familiarize yourself with the test format and improve time management. With IDP, you can freely choose to take IELTS on computer depending on your study habits and preferences.
When you're ready, register for your IELTS test with IDP today!