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Beginner Writing for ESL Students
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UNIT 2 — TRAVEL — Lesson 3B
Time Clauses

  
 

Here is some information about time clauses.

  • A clause has a subject and a verb.

Example

Heather
drove
to Vernon.
Subject
Verb
  

  • A time clause begins with one of the following words: when, after, while, before.

Example

While I was checking in
at the airport, my friend bought souvenirs.
Time clause
  

  • A time clause has a subject and a verb after the time word.

Example

After I packed my suitcase,
I caught a taxi to the airport.
Time clause
  

  • A time clause gives information about when an action happened.

Example

I took a bus to Ottawa
while I was studying in Ontario.
 
Time clause

  • A time clause comes before or after the main clause.

Example

When I went to Ontario,
I visited Monique.
Time clause
  

I visited Monique
when I went to Ontario.
 
Time clause

  • A time clause has a comma after it when the time clause is before the main clause.

Example

(a) Before I went to Quebec,
I studied French.
Time clause
 

(b) I studied French
before I went to Quebec.
 
Time clause

In sentence (b) you do not need a comma.