GUIDE ENGLISH GRAMMAR BOOK

2 We can use a gerund after before, after and since. • 132(8a)
I always have a shower after taking exercise.
3 We can use a participle after when, while, once and until. • 139(3)
Take care when crossing the road.
Please wait until told to proceed.
We can also use a participle without a conjunction. • 139(1)
Take care crossing the road.
Having glanced at the letter, Helen pushed it aside.
250 Clauses of time
4 When, while and as refer to two things happening at the same time. For more
examples, • 66(2b).
a
b
c
d
While and as suggest something continuing for a period of time.
While Ann was in hospital, she had a visit from her teacher.
As we were cycling along, we saw a fox.
We can also use when here.
For a complete action we use when.
We were cycling along when we saw a fox.
When I arrived, the party was in full swing.
We can also use when for one thing coming straight after another. • 68(3)
When I knocked, Fiona opened the door.
When can also mean 'every time'.
When you dial the number, no one answers.
I cycle to work when it's fine.
Whenever and every time are more emphatic.
Whenever/Every time Max calls, he brings me flowers.
We can use as (but not while) to express the idea that a change in one thing goes
with change in another.
As we drove further north, the weather got worse.
Compare The further north we drove,... • 222(2)
Just as means 'at that exact moment'.
Just as we came out of the theatre, the rain started.
5 To emphasize the idea of one thing coming immediately after another, we can use
these conjunctions.
As soon as/Immediately the gates were open, the crowds rushed in.
The minute/The moment you hear any news, let me know.
We can also use these patterns with no sooner and hardly.
Martin had no sooner sat down than the phone rang.
I had hardly started work when I felt a pain in my back.
In both patterns we can use inversion. • 17(6c)
No sooner had Martin sat down than the phone rang.
Hardly had I started work when I felt a pain in my back.
NOTE Americans do not use immediately as, a conjunction. • 307(3)