LoginConjunctions of Time
In this lesson, master conjunctions of time to connect events in time using combinations like "when," "while," "before," and "after." Clear explanations and practice exercises to help you learn.
What Are Conjunctions of Time?
Conjunctions of time are words that connect clauses by indicating time relationships between them. These conjunctions are used to show a chronological sequence of events or to link two actions that occur at the same time.
Common Conjunctions of Time
Here are the most common conjunctions of time:
Conjunctions of Time: Uses
Subordinating conjunctions of time are used to introduce a subordinate clause that provides time-related information to the main clause. Either clause can be used as the first clause of the sentence, depending on the emphasis that is desired.
I have been in China since you left.
When I was sixteen, I broke my leg.
'After' and 'Before' as Conjunctions of Time
The conjunctions 'after ' and 'before' are used to indicate the order in which events occur. 'Before' is used to indicate that one event happened earlier in time than another event, while 'after' is used to indicate that one event happened later in time than another event.
When 'before' is used at the beginning of a sentence, it sets up the context for the subsequent clause to describe an event that occurs later in time. In contrast, when 'after' is used at the beginning of a sentence, it sets up the context for the subsequent clause to describe an event that occurs earlier in time.
I graduated after I was nominated for the best actor of the year.
Before she got married, she worked in a bank.
'Before' is used at the beginning of the sentence, indicating that her marriage happened later than working in a bank.
'When' as a Conjunction of Time
The conjunction 'when' is used to indicate the time at which two events occur, often when they happen simultaneously or in close proximity to each other. It can also be used to indicate that one event occurs immediately after another event. Here are the examples:
I was watching TV when you entered. → concur
I got happy when you arrived. → first the person arrived, then the other person got happy
'While' as a Conjunction of Time
When used as a conjunction, 'while' indicates that two events are happening at the same time. It is often used to show a contrast or a comparison between the two events. Here are the examples:
While I was talking to you, she stole my keys.
I kissed her on the cheeks while she was smiling.
'Until' and 'By the Time' as Conjunctions of Time
'Until' and 'by the time' are used to indicate the time up to which an action or event occurs.
'Until' is used to indicate the point in time up to which an action or event occurs. 'By the time' is used to indicate the point in time at which an action or event is expected to be completed. Here are the examples:
I was happy until you came and ruined everything.
Everything will be ready by the time you get home.
'Since' as a Conjunction of Time
'Since' is used to refer to a point in time in the past from which an action or event began and continues to the present. It can also be used to indicate that an action or event started at the same time as another event. Here are a few examples:
I was afraid of clowns since I was a child.
I feel better since I have finished my therapy.
'As' as a Conjunction of Time
'As' is used to indicate that two events occur simultaneously. It is often used to show a comparison or a contrast between the two events. Here are the examples:
They stopped talking as I walked through the hallway.
I couldn't run as I was trying to breath.
'As Long as' as a Conjunction of Time
As long as is used to indicate the duration of time that an action or event occurs. Check out the examples for more clarification:
We are strong as long as we are together.
They want to stay as long as the party is held.
Punctuation Rules
When conjunctions of time are used to introduce a subordinate clause at the beginning of a sentence, a comma is typically used to separate it from the main clause. However, when the subordinate clause follows the main clause, no comma is needed between the clauses. Here are the examples:
Before he got killed, he had a bad argument with his sister.
I will answer the phone calls as long as I am here.
Warning
Do not use 'during' as an alternative for 'while' because they are different parts of speech. 'During' is a preposition, but 'while' is a conjunction.
Review
Conjunctions of time are used to show the time relations between two events. Here are the most common conjunctions of time:
Before/after
When
As long as
While/as
Until/by the time
Since
Quiz:
Which sentence uses "since" correctly to show an action starting in the past and still continuing?
She has worked here since graduating in 2020.
Since the meeting ended, they left the building.
He felt ill since eating the seafood.
Since you arrive early, save us seats.
Match each sentence containing a time conjunction to the function it demonstrates.
Complete each sentence using the correct conjunction of time. (There are two extra options.)
you submit the application, review it for errors.
She smiled
she read the letter.
We waited
the rain stopped.
the alarm sounds, evacuate the building immediately.
She'll stay
the concert goes on.
In which sentence does "while" correctly indicate simultaneous actions?
While the rain stopped, we went outside.
She listened to music while she studied for the exam.
He finished the report while he submitted it.
While the movie ended, the credits rolled.
Sort the words to form a correct sentence.
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