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Anonymous Posted 10 years ago
Grammar

Be/Will

I'm not here when you return
I'm not here by the time you return
I won't be here when you return
I won't be here by the time you return

Which one is correct? And what are some other ways/examples to say this?
  

Top answer

the clue is that "when you return" + "by the time you return" both APPEAR to be referring to a future date. Given that the latter part of the sentences are referring to the future, and given that the first part of the sentences will take place at the same time, it follows that the verb should be expressed in the future tense. I'm = I am = PRESENT tense...

— BenAldridge0

  • the clue is that "when you return" + "by the time you return" both APPEAR to be referring to a future date.
  • Given that the latter part of the sentences are referring to the future, and given that the first part of the sentences will take place at the same time, it follows that the verb should be expressed in the future tense.
  • I'm = I am = PRESENT tense...
  • does that match with the future?
  • I won't = I will not = FUTURE tense...
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2 Answers
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the clue is that "when you return" + "by the time you return" both APPEAR to be referring to a future date.


Given that the latter part of the sentences are referring to the future, and given that the first part of the sentences will take place at the same time, it follows that the verb should be expressed in the future tense.


I'm = I am = PRESENT tense..
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Anonymousother ways
I'm not here when you return. No.
I'm not here by the time you return. No.
I won't be here when you return. OK.
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