Time Clauses in English: Complete Rules & 20+ Clear Examples

Time clauses are used to link an event in the subordinate clause to another event in the main clause, establishing a time relationship. These clauses help answer the question when something happens.

Time Clauses

Conjunctions like when, while, as soon as, after, before, and until are used to introduce time clauses. These words tell us when something happens.

Time clauses can appear before or after the main clause. If the time clause comes first, it is followed by a comma. If the main clause comes first, no comma is needed.

Examples of Time Clauses

Let’s cross the bridge when we come to it.
When the cat’s away, the mice will play.
We’ll keep on driving while there’s still daylight.
While she’s away, I’ve got the run of her house.
As soon as I was on board, I began to have second thoughts about leaving.
The baby can cry as soon as he is born.
After I had finished my homework, I went to bed.
He will go home after he has finished his work.
Don’t count your chickens before they are hatched.
Chew your food thoroughly before you swallow it.
Cook the lentils for 20 minutes until they swell and soften.
We played cards to kill time until the bus came.
Always lock your car whenever you leave it.
Whenever you see an officer, you must salute.
Making an omelet is easy once you’ve got the knack.
Once I start eating chocolate, I can’t stop.
Dad looked sad and worried as he read the letter.
As you approach the town, you’ll see the college on the left.
Susan has changed a lot since I last saw her.
By the time she was eight, she could read Greek and Latin.
He’ll keep the book for me till I come back.
You never know how much you miss them till they’re gone.
Every time I ask him about it, I get a different answer.
He gently chides his students every time they misspell a word.

Important Grammar Rule: Future Tense in Time Clauses

In time clauses, we do not use “will” when referring to the future. Instead of saying “I will call you when I will arrive” (incorrect), you should say “I will call you when I arrive” (correct). This rule is essential for proper sentence structure in time clauses.

Last Updated on January 27, 2026