Page 47 - English Vocabulary In Use upper intermediet and advance

20 Time

One thing before another
Before I went to work I fed the cat. [or, more commonly in written English: Before
going to work.. .]
I had written to her prior to meeting the committee. [formal/*ritten style]
It was nice to be in Venice. Previously I'd only been to Rome. [fairly formal, more
informal would be before that, I...]
I was in the office from 2.30. I was out earlier on, [before then, fairly informal]
The city is now called Thatcherville. Formerly it was Grabtown. [used when something
has changed its name, state, etc.]

Things happening at the same time

While I waited, I read the newspaper. [or, more formal: While waiting, I read ...; the
waiting and reading happen together.]
As I was driving to work, I saw an accident. [As describes the background when
something happens in the foreground.]
I saw her just as she was turning the corner. [precise moment]
During he war, I lived in Dublin. [does not specify how long]
k
Throug lout the war, food was rationed. [from beginning to end]
She was entering at the very time/the very moment I was leaving. [These two are
stronger and more precise than as or just as.]
One thing after another

After I'd locked up, I went to bed. [or, more formal: After locking up ... ; we do not
usually say '~fter having locked up ...'.I
We went to the castle. Then we caught a bus to the, beach.
First we went to the theatre. After that, we had a meal.
He fell ill and was admitted to hospital. He died soon afterwards. [In these two
examples, after that and afterwards are interchangeable.]
Following my visit to Peking, I bought lots of books about China. [fairly formal]

Time when
When I'm rich and famous. 1'11 buy a yacht. [Note: not 'When I will be rich...']
, .
As soon as we've packed we can leave. [immediately after]
Once we've finished we can go and have a coffee. [less specific]
The momendthe minute I saw his face I knew I'd met him before.
I stayed in that hospital the time (that) I broke my leg.
I met Pollv at Ken's wedding. On that occasion she was with a different man.
6
Connecting two periods or events
The meal will take about an hour. In the meantime, relax and have a drink. [between
now and the meal]
The new whiteboards are arriving soon. Till then, we'll have to use the old ones.
I last met him in 1985. Since then I haven't set eyes on him.
By the time I retire, I will have worked here 26 years.

English Vocabulary in Use