Ordering events with time clauses

The idea

Before introduces the later event; the other event happens first. After introduces the earlier event. Either clause can come first; use a comma after an opening time clause. For a future event, use a present form in the time clause.

Examples

• I wash my hands before I cook.
• After the rain stopped, we went outside.
• She checks the map before she leaves.
• We rested after we painted the room.
• Before the film begins, turn off your phone.
• He called after the train arrived.

Watch out

The first clause on the page is not always the first event: in Before I cook, I wash my hands, washing comes first.

Try it yourself

1. Choose the correct word. The bell rang. Then the students entered. They entered ___ the bell rang. (before / after)

   Show answer or example answer

   after

   after: The bell rang first, then the students entered.

2. Choose the correct word. Put on your coat. Then go outside. Put it on ___ you go outside. (before / after)

   Show answer or example answer

   before

   before: The coat goes on first, before going outside.

3. Choose the correct word. The sun set. Then the lights came on. The lights came on ___ the sun set. (before / after)

   Show answer or example answer

   after

   after: Sunset came first; the lights followed.

Use it today

Write two events in both clause orders and identify which happened first.