Page 257 - Basic English Usage

259 343 — 344

343 tenses in subordinate clauses

1 In subordinate clauses (after conjunctions), we often use tenses ina
special way. In particular, we use present tenses with a future
meaning, and past tenses with a conditional meaning.
This happens after if; after conjunctions oftime like when, until, after,
before, as soon as; after as, than, whether, where; atter relative
pronouns; and in reported speech.
present for future
She'll be happy if you telephone her.
I'll write to her when | have time. (NOT ... +wherHwitthave-tine-)
I'll stay here until the plane takes off.
She'll be on the same train as | am tomorrow.
We'll get there sooner than you do.
I'll ask him whether he wants to go.
I'll go where you go.
!'ll give a pound to anybody who finds my pen.
One day the government will really ask people what they want.

past for conditional
If | had lots of money, I'd give some to anybody who asked for it.
(NOT ... whe-werteasicferit)
Would you follow me wherever | went?
In a perfect world, you could say exactly what you thought.

2 Sometimes we use a future tense in a subordinate clause. This happens
if the main clause is not about the future. Compare:
I'll tell you when 1 arrive.
| wonder when Vil arrive.
| don’t know if U1 be here tomorrow.

344 that: omission

We can often leave out the conjunction that, especially in an informal style.

1 Relative pronoun
We can leave out the relative pronoun that when it is the object of the
relative clause. ;
Look! There are the people (that) we met in Brighton.

2 Reported speech
We can leave out that aftec more common verbs. Compare:
James said (that) he was feeling better.
James replied that he was feeling better.
feeting
better:
(NOT damesrepted )
he-was