CONNECTORS AND LINKERS 3- time linkers and sequencers -

To join elements within a sentence or sentences within a text we use conjunctions, prepositions, adverbs and adverbial expressions called “connectors” or “linkers”.

• whenWhen indicates the moment, in which something took place. The verb that follows is never in the future tense with will. This is the same for all time conjuctions.

When you have finished this exercise, do the next one. (not: When you will have finished....)

• whenever

When I was on holiday, I used to get up late.

Come whenever you like.

• whileWhile indicates the simultaneity of two actions. It is usually found with present continuous or past continuous.

While I was skiing last Saturday, I fell and hurt my leg.

• as long as ....

I will love you as long as I live. (not: .... as long as I will live.)

Indicates the duration of an action.

• untilUntil indicates the limits of an action.

I waited until they were all gone.

I’ll tell him about the prize he has won as soon as I see him. (not: .... as soon as I will see him)

• as soon as ....As soon as indicates the immediacy of an action. It is followed by a verb in the present simple, the present perfect or the past perfect.

• beforeBefore indicates that an action precedes another action. It is followed by a verb in the –ing form or by: subject + verb in the present or parst simple.

Before going / Before he goes to the school, he delivers the newspapers in his neighbourhood.

• after ( + verb in –ing form or subject + verb in the present or past simple)

After indicates that an action follows another action.

After delivering / After he has delivered the newspapers, he goes to school.

Another particular category of time connectors is that of sequencers, which are usedto indicate the chronological succesion of a series of events, in particular when:

• telling a story: (at) first, then, after that, next, later, finally / eventually / in the end, at last. • presenting a series of discussions, for example in written report: firstly, secondly, in addition, another point is, finaly / lastly / in conclusion, last but not least.• giving instructions.Here is some advice for you to follow when doing grammar exercises. First, put everything you need on your desk: your book, a pencil and an eraser. Then read the instructions of the activity carefully. After that, read the whole exercise and the grammar rules and start writting the answers. Finally, check your answers with the answer key or with your teacher.

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