By the time..., present tense

No.

The second sentence is unusual and would work only in a present-tense narrative.

I would say:

AnonymousBy the time we get back, he should have completed his work.

When we engage the "by the time ...." context, it always implies a future expectation. In this sentence, we can also use a simple future tense, as well as a future perfect.

So basically present tense is used for the future for the following:
1) scheduled timetables, programmes etc.
2) After words like "when", "before", "after", "as soon as" etc.
3) After "will + verb" e.g. We will see how it goes

But not in the case of the above example?

Can I have any American opinion? I know americans do use the present tense in such sen

Let me toss two more extra cents to your question.

I don't think you can apply these arbitrary rules for any context with " by the time...."
Whether my comment is deemed worthy of deserving any credibility , I'd say, this phrase can be used in past , present and future, depending on how the context is written.

By the time John reached

Alright, I think that sentence needs more context so let's take another similar example.

It is already so late, it's pointless to go. By the time we reach there, the shop has closed.

Possible?

Yes, it' possible:

AnonymousBy the time we get reach there, the shop will be /has closed.

Just simple tense, not perfect.

Also a side note, in this simple context, I would use "get" vs. " Reach ".

dimsumexpressAlso a side note, in this simple context, I would use "get" vs. " Reach ".
You can use " Reach " for a more dramatic destination, like " reach for the star" , the top of the summit, or the bottom of the ocean. But for a shop, it's a little unnatural, but it's not wrong.

It's not uncommon to use "get" and "reach" interchangeably for such se

AnonymousI take this that in American English, such would be acceptable:

.

AnonymousBy the time we get there, the shop is closed.

I just want to be sure that your understand the comments I have made about your use of the tense in the " by the time.... " context. With the respective sentence as you had it, " By the

AnonymousCan I have any American opinion? I know Americans do use the present tense in such sentences like:

When I get back, he is out of here.
By the time I get back, he is out of here.

Really? I'm American, and it doesn't ring true to me. The only thing I can think of is that it's a slang way of giving

CalifJimReally? I'm American, and it doesn't ring true to me. The only thing I can think of is that it's a slang way of giving a command in a threatening way.

Well, I hear that on American TV shows all the time.
For instance,
If it happens again, I am out of here.
If you do that again, you are s