These exercises focus on a classic B2 pitfall for French speakers: English never uses ‘will’ in adverbial time clauses. Put your knowledge to the test!
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Exercice 1 — Fill in the blank: time clauses
Complete each sentence by writing the correct form of the verb in brackets. Remember: no 'will' in time clauses!
- I'll send you the report as soon as I ___ (finish) it.
- She won't leave the office until her manager ___ (approve) the document.
- We'll start the meeting after everyone ___ (arrive).
- He'll call us before he ___ (board) the plane.
Correction
- I'll send you the report as soon as I finish it.
- She won't leave the office until her manager approves the document.
- We'll start the meeting after everyone arrives.
- He'll call us before he boards the plane.
Exercice 2 — Sentence transformation: avoid 'will' in time clauses
Rewrite each sentence correctly, replacing the incorrect verb form in the time clause with the right one.
- I'll text you when I will get to the station.
- They won't make a decision until they will receive all the data.
- Please lock the door after you will leave the building.
- She'll prepare her notes before she will present her findings.
Correction
- I'll text you when I get to the station.
- They won't make a decision until they receive all the data.
- Please lock the door after you leave the building.
- She'll prepare her notes before she presents her findings.
Exercice 3 — Spot and correct the error
Each sentence contains one error related to the use of 'will' in a time clause. Identify and correct it by rewriting the full sentence.
- We'll celebrate when the project will be completed.
- I won't sign the contract until my lawyer will review it.
- Call me as soon as you will land at the airport.
- He'll pack his bags before he will check out of the hotel.
Correction
- We'll celebrate when the project is completed.
- I won't sign the contract until my lawyer reviews it.
- Call me as soon as you land at the airport.
- He'll pack his bags before he checks out of the hotel.
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