el7jake
Joined: 05 Mar 2008
Posts: 24
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 Posted: Fri May 02, 2008 7:42 am Post subject: Verb tenses |
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Question about this sentence:
When I am sixty, I will be old.
First, I assume that the sentence is grammatically accurate. Second, why use the present tense (I am) when the speaker appears to be speaking of the future?
Thanking you in advance
Jake L.[/b][/i] |
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Suzanne
Joined: 21 Apr 2008
Posts: 283
Location: Seattle, WA, USA
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| Posted: Fri May 02, 2008 9:15 am Post subject: |
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Hi, Jake!
We use the Simple Present (I am/I go, etc) with a future meaning after "when." These sentences have two future events, in the order that they will occur.
Examples: When I get home, I'm going to cook dinner. (As you can tell, FIRST I will get home, THEN I will cook dinner. I can't cook dinner until I am home!)
When I have more time, I'll give you a call.
(First action: I will have more time. Second action: I will call you.)
There are other words that use this same pattern: Before and After.
Examples:
Before I get on the plane, I want to buy a book to read.
After I finish school, I will get a good job.
Let me know if you have more questions! |
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