Time is an essential element in our daily lives, dictating not just the sequence of our activities but also how we communicate these sequences to others. One of the most important tools we have for expressing time relationships in English are conjunctions of time. These are words or phrases that link two clauses together and specify the temporal relationship between them. Whether you’re narrating a story, giving instructions, or discussing plans, conjunctions of time help to clearly convey when events occur in relation to one another.
What are Conjunctions of Time?
Conjunctions of time are specific words or phrases used to connect two clauses and indicate the timing of events. They tell us when something happens, how long it happens for, or how often it occurs. Common conjunctions of time include words like when, while, before, after, until, since, as soon as, and by the time.
When
The conjunction when is perhaps the most versatile and commonly used. It can introduce a single event or a period of time.
– Example: “Call me when you get home.”
– Example: “When I was a child, I loved to play outside.”
In these sentences, when introduces the time at which something happens.
While
The conjunction while is used to indicate that two actions are happening simultaneously.
– Example: “She read a book while waiting for the bus.”
– Example: “While I cooked dinner, my brother set the table.”
Here, while shows that two actions are happening at the same time.
Before
The conjunction before is used to indicate that one event happens earlier than another event.
– Example: “Brush your teeth before you go to bed.”
– Example: “Before we left for vacation, we made sure to lock the doors.”
In these examples, before sets the sequence of events by stating which action takes place first.
After
Conversely, after indicates that one event happens later than another event.
– Example: “We went for ice cream after the movie ended.”
– Example: “After the meeting, we discussed the next steps over lunch.”
Here, after establishes that one action follows another in time.
Until
The conjunction until is used to indicate that an action continues up to a specific point in time.
– Example: “We waited until the rain stopped.”
– Example: “She practiced the piano until she mastered the piece.”
In these cases, until shows the endpoint of an activity or state.
Since
The conjunction since is used to indicate that an action began at a specific point in the past and continues up to the present.
– Example: “I’ve been working here since 2010.”
– Example: “Since we met, we’ve been inseparable.”
With since, the speaker sets a starting point in the past that extends to the present moment.
As Soon As
The phrase as soon as is used to indicate that one event happens immediately after another.
– Example: “Call me as soon as you arrive.”
– Example: “As soon as the concert ended, we left the venue.”
In these sentences, as soon as underscores the immediacy of the subsequent action.
By the Time
The phrase by the time is used to indicate that one event is completed before another event begins.
– Example: “By the time we arrived, the party had already started.”
– Example: “Finish your homework by the time dinner is ready.”
Here, by the time sets a deadline or establishes a timeframe within which an action should be completed.
Using Conjunctions of Time in Complex Sentences
Using conjunctions of time effectively often involves constructing complex sentences, which consist of an independent clause and a dependent clause. The conjunction of time introduces the dependent clause, which cannot stand alone as a sentence and needs the independent clause to complete its meaning.
– Example: “She will start cooking dinner when she gets home.”
– Independent clause: “She will start cooking dinner.”
– Dependent clause: “when she gets home.”
In this sentence, the conjunction when introduces the dependent clause and provides the timing for the action in the independent clause.
Placement of Conjunctions of Time
Conjunctions of time can be placed at the beginning or in the middle of a sentence. When they are placed at the beginning, they are followed by a comma.
– Example: “When the clock strikes midnight, the new year begins.”
– Example: “The new year begins when the clock strikes midnight.”
Both sentences are correct, but the placement of the conjunction can affect the emphasis. In the first example, the focus is on the timing of the new year beginning, while in the second example, the focus is more on the event itself.
Common Mistakes and Tips
Even though conjunctions of time are straightforward, language learners often make mistakes when using them. Here are some common pitfalls and tips to avoid them:
Using the Wrong Tense
When using conjunctions of time, ensure that the tense in the dependent clause matches the timing of the event.
– Incorrect: “She will start cooking dinner when she will get home.”
– Correct: “She will start cooking dinner when she gets home.”
In English, we do not use the future tense in the dependent clause when the main clause is in the future tense.
Overusing Conjunctions of Time
While conjunctions of time are useful, overusing them can make your writing or speech sound repetitive or redundant. Use them when they add clarity or necessary information.
– Overuse: “When I woke up, when I brushed my teeth, when I ate breakfast, I thought about my day.”
– Improved: “When I woke up, I thought about my day while brushing my teeth and eating breakfast.”
Forgetting the Comma
When the conjunction of time starts the sentence, remember to place a comma after the dependent clause.
– Incorrect: “When the clock strikes midnight the new year begins.”
– Correct: “When the clock strikes midnight, the new year begins.”
Advanced Usage of Conjunctions of Time
Once you’re comfortable with basic conjunctions of time, you can explore more advanced structures and nuanced uses.
Using Conjunctions of Time in Conditional Sentences
Conjunctions of time often appear in conditional sentences, where they can indicate the timing of a condition.
– Example: “If you arrive before the meeting starts, you can join us for a coffee.”
– Example: “Provided that you finish your work by the time the deadline arrives, you will receive a bonus.”
In these sentences, the conjunctions of time are used to specify the conditions under which something will happen.
Combining Multiple Conjunctions of Time
Sometimes, you may need to use multiple conjunctions of time to describe complex sequences of events.
– Example: “After we finish dinner and before we watch the movie, let’s go for a walk.”
– Example: “By the time I arrived, she had already left, and since it was late, I decided to go home.”
In these examples, multiple conjunctions of time help to clearly outline the sequence and timing of events.
Idiomatic Expressions with Conjunctions of Time
English has many idiomatic expressions that involve conjunctions of time. These can add color and flair to your language.
– Example: “Time flies when you’re having fun.”
– Example: “Better late than never.”
These expressions use the concept of time to convey broader meanings and often do not require a literal interpretation.
Practice Exercises
To master the use of conjunctions of time, practice is essential. Here are some exercises to help you improve:
Fill in the Blanks
1. “I will call you ______ I arrive at the airport.”
2. “She waited ______ the bus arrived.”
3. “______ he finished his homework, he went out to play.”
4. “______ we were walking home, it started to rain.”
5. “They have been friends ______ childhood.”
Rewrite the Sentences
1. “We will leave. We will finish dinner.”
– Rewrite using a conjunction of time.
2. “She was cooking. He was reading.”
– Rewrite using a conjunction of time.
3. “The meeting ended. We discussed the project.”
– Rewrite using a conjunction of time.
Identify the Conjunctions of Time
In the following sentences, identify the conjunctions of time:
1. “By the time you read this, I will be on my way.”
2. “Since you left, things haven’t been the same.”
3. “When the sun rises, we will begin our journey.”
4. “As soon as the rain stops, we can go outside.”
5. “While you were sleeping, I finished the report.”
Conclusion
Conjunctions of time are indispensable tools in the English language, providing clarity and coherence to our communication. Whether you’re describing a sequence of events, giving instructions, or sharing stories, these conjunctions help to anchor your narrative in time. By understanding and practicing the use of conjunctions of time, you can enhance your fluency and precision in English, making your communication more effective and engaging. Remember to pay attention to tense agreement, avoid redundancy, and practice regularly to master the art of using conjunctions of time. Happy learning!
