Grammar 5-2 | Intermediate | CEFR B2

Subordinating Conjunctions - Time Words

Listen to short conversations using time words.

Conversation

Woman: How should I make this omelet?
Man: Well, first get two eggs and crack them in a bowl.
Woman: OK, what should I do next?
Man: After you crack the eggs, you must whisk them up.
Woman: Alright. How long should I whisk them for?
Man: Whisk them until they are evenly blended.
Woman: OK, what should I do next?
Man: Well, actually, before you cook the eggs, you should chop up some ham and grate some cheese.
Woman: OK, I can do that. Is that all I should add?
Man: No, you should chop up some onions and tomatoes too. While you are chopping them up, you can preheat the pan. Add a little butter once the pan starts to heat up.
Woman: Got it. Add the butter when the pan gets hot.
Man: Once you do that, you can put the eggs in the pan. By the time you put the eggs in, the butter will be melted.
Woman: How long should I cook them for?
Man: Cook the eggs until they start to bubble. As soon as they start to bubble, you need to flip the omelet.
Woman: OK, and when do I add the ingredients?
Man: You can add the cheese, ham and vegetables after you flip the omelet.
Woman: Great, and what do I do after that?
Man: As soon as the cheese starts to melt, you can fold the omelet. Then is it is ready to serve.
Woman: Great! What should I do then?
Man: Well, once you finish the omelet, you can call me. I'm getting hungry, so by the time you finish making two omelets, I'll be ready to eat.
Woman: OK, sounds good, but only if you clean up after we eat.
Man: Deal.

Subordinating Conjunctions of Time

Subordinating conjunctions of time show how clauses relate according to time.
  1. The meeting started before we got there.
  2. He left by the time we arrived.
  3. Call me when you get home.
  4. I will call you after I finish.
Before and by the time precede an action.
  1. I wake up before the sun rises.
  2. She does yoga before she goes to work.
  3. My boss is in the office by the time I get there.
  4. I should be there by the time you arrive.
When, as soon as, once, and until coincide with an action.
  1. I fee sad when it rains.
  2. She calls me as soon as she home.
  3. Flip the pancake once it starts to bubble.
  4. Please stay here until I call you.
After follows an action. As soon as and right after or just after can mean the same thing.
  1. I called her after I got home.
  2. I saw him as soon as the meeting ended.
  3. I saw him right after the meeting ended.
  4. I saw him just after the meeting ended.
Answer the following questions about the interview.