DEPENDENT CLAUSES

ADVERBIAL CLAUSES

TIME CLAUSES

Study the meanings and uses of the following time words.

Examples
1. When Columbus arrived in America, he saw native American
people.
He saw native American people When Columbus arrived in
America
2. Until Columbus arrived in America, certain diseases were
unknown there.
Explanation
When means "at that time" or "after that time."
Until means "up to that time."

Examples
1. Since the fifteenth century, foreigners have been coming to
America.
2. Ever since Columbus discovered America, foreigners have been
coming here.
3. Columbus was at sea for 33 days.
4. Americans have been celebrating Columbus Day for over 100
years.
5. Columbus's men almost rebelled during the voyage.
6. While they were traveling to America, Columbus's crew wanted
to rebel.
7. Whenever we read a story, we learn new words.
8. As soon as you finish your dinner, you may have dessert

Explanation
1. Since or ever since means "from that time in the past to the present." Use the present perfect
(continuous) in the main clause.
2. Use for with the amount of time.
 3. Use during with an event (a trip, a vacation, a class, a meeting, a lifetime) or with a specific
period of time (the month of August, the week of March 2, the evening of April 3).
4. Use while with a continuous action.
5. Whenever means "any time" or "every time."

LANGUAGE NOTES
1. In a negative sentence, you can use either for or in with the amount of time.
I haven't seen my sister for three months.
I haven't seen my sister in three months.
2. In a future sentence, use the present tense after the time word and the future tense in the
main clause.
I will call you when I get home.
After he finds a job, he will buy a car.
3. Use while with a continuous action. Use when with a simple past action. COMPARE:
While Columbus was looking for Asia, he found America.
While Columbus was looking for Asia, Vasco Da Gama was having a party.
Columbus was looking for Asia when he found America.