Expressing time

Expressing time: progressive explanation, topic-specific examples, guided exercises and a corrected assessment.

Duration: 25 minPrerequisites: subordonnee-consequencePass mark: 80%

1. Objective

By the end, you will recognise and use “Expressing time” correctly.

2. Discover

Look at the six examples for “Expressing time”. Before reading the rule, notice what changes and what stays stable.

3. Understand

Time links place one action in relation to another: before, during, after or until a point in time. Check whether the link is followed by a conjugated verb, an infinitive or a noun; that determines the form.

Quand le train arrive, nous montons.Je t’appelle dès que je sors du travail.Pendant que tu cuisines, je prépare la table.Avant de partir, vérifie ton billet.Après avoir envoyé le dossier, elle a reçu un accusé de réception.Nous attendrons jusqu’à ce que le médecin nous appelle.

Watch out

First identify the relation between the ideas: cause, consequence, contrast, condition, time… Choose the connector from the meaning, not the other way around.

4. Guided practice

5. Independent practice

6. Write / speak

Write three sentences from your own life using the target structure. Change the people, place or time rather than copying the models.

7. Check your learning

8. Remember

Time links place one action in relation to another: before, during, after or until a point in time.

Download worksheet (PDF)

9. Now I can…

I can recognise “Expressing time” in a new example.
I can justify my choice and create an example.