Before

Question

Is there any grammar rule that states that after the conjunction before we must use only present or past tense?Thanks.

BarbaraPA · Accepted Answer

No

4444mv · Answer

Why grammar books state not to use 'will' or 'going to' in before clauses with reference to a future time?
Thank you.

AlpheccaStars · Answer

Normally, the present is used in a "before-clause" for a future reference.
eg. Before you leave tomorrow, check the weather report.

There are exceptions for using "will."

It could be a long, long time before we will see a state budget. ( headline at http://readingeagle.com/business-weekly/article/up-front-it-could-be-a-long-long-time-before-we-will-see-a-state-budget )

'The system will break before we will’ Part of a title of a Master's Degree thesis. http://www.academia.edu/6006199/_The_system_will_break_before_we_will_Irish_republican_prisoners_blanket_and_no-wash_protests_against_criminalisation

:

We will begin processing your FAFSA as soon as we receive it; however, you must be formally admitted before we will determine your award offer. Instructions at a University financial aid site. http://fullerton.edu/financialaid/FAQ/questions_default.htm

4444mv · Answer

Thanks a lot,  AlphecaStars!

Anonymous · Answer

I think it might be informative to note that the present tense after "before" can have an implied future sense, for example:

"You've got to finish your homework before you go out to play." (Although the present tense is used here after "before," the sense is actually future, that is: "You've got to finish your homework before you will go out to play." Over the years, in English, the "will" in such a sentence was dropped for the sake of brevity, with the future sense understood from the context.)

4444mv · Answer

Thank you very much!!

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