Time clauses are used in English to demonstrate a period of
time based on an action or event, similar to dependent clauses in conditional
sentences. For example, I will cook dinner when I get home. ‘When I get home’
is a clause demonstrating a point in time, based on an action/event (the time
that I get home), replacing a simpler time such as I will cook dinner at 7pm.
Time clauses are complete ideas that require subjects, verbs and objects, but
they do not always use the same verb rules as the main clause.
A.
Know Your Time Clause Connectors
Here is a list of Time Clause Connectors with
some examples and meanings. Some Time Clause connectors have similar meanings
and can be used interchangeably. However, it is important to note the small
differences in meaning between the various Time Clause Connectors.
1.
After I finished playing baseball, I had ice
cream with the team. (After means the
moment after something happens)
2.
I
will finish my homework before I go to the
party. (Before means before the
moment)
3.
When the birthday boy arrives, everyone scream
surprise! (When means the
moment something happens)
4.
I like to read
books while I listen to jazz music. (While means a
period of that time)
5.
Since I was a young boy, I have always loved the
beach. (Since means starting at
a specific time)
6.
I will call you as
soon as my plane lands. (As soon as means
when something happens immediately)
7.
I will wait until you
finish talking. (Until means
something finishes at that time)
8.
By
the time he arrived, she
was already gone. (By the time means
one event is completely finished when the other event happens)
9.
Once everyone has sat down, we can begin
eating. (Once means something happens when something else is
completed.)
10.
As he read the names on the list, he began to
cry. (As means a period of time)
·
Note: As and while have
the same meaning. By the time and once have
similar meanings. When and as soon as also
have similar meanings.
B.
Time Clause Verbs
In most cases, time
clauses use the present tense while the independent clause uses thefuture or present.
Never use the future tense in a Time Clause!
·
When
my Dad gets home, we eat dinner.
·
After
I practice playing soccer, I will take a nap.
Sometimes Time Clauses refer to
the past. In this case, use the simple past or past perfectwith the time clause. Note the independent
clause also is in the past tense.
·
We started the
test as soon as the teacher (had) arrived.
With Since Time Clauses the
present perfect or present perfect progressive is used in the main clause.
·
I have
worked at this school since 2004.
·
I have
been playing golf since I was a little boy.
With While and As Time
Clauses the present progressive tense is often used.
·
She likes to
drink wine while she is cooking.
·
As
I was riding my bicycle, I noticed a new ice cream shop.
C. Reduced Time Clauses
Time Clauses are
often shortened by cutting the subject and the “be” verb.
If the time clause does not contain a “be”
verb, add “ing”.
· She likes to drink wine while she is cooking.
· She likes to drink wine while cooking.(reduced)
· I like to read books while I
listen to jazz music.
· I like to read books when listening to
jazz music. (reduced)
Be careful! Not all Time Clauses reduce.
Baca juga Pengertian Clausa dan macam-macam clausa bahasa inggris
Baca juga Pengertian Clausa dan macam-macam clausa bahasa inggris