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Adam Sidorczuk Posted 11 years ago
Grammar

Present or future verbs

Hello, I'm a little puzzled by one thing. Sometimes people use present form of verbs referring to the future. For example: (Bob Dylan's song "Blowing In The Wind")

"Yes, 'n' how many times must the cannon balls fly
Before they're forever banned?"
instead of: "they will be forever banned"

and

"How many years can a mountain exist
Before it's washed to the sea?"

instead of: "Before it will be washed to the sea"

When can i use such a form? Does it mean the same as future form of verbs? Is it informal or american way of speaking?
  

Top answer

Adam Sidorczuk When can i use such a form? In almost all cases, future time is expressed with the present tense of the verb in a subordinate clause, especially those clauses which begin with "when", "after", "before", "until", "once", "as soon as", and "if". This applies to all forms of English, formal and informal, British, American, Canadian, and Australian English.

— CalifJim

  • Adam Sidorczuk When can i use such a form?
  • In almost all cases, future time is expressed with the present tense of the verb in a subordinate clause, especially those clauses which begin with "when", "after", "before", "until", "once", "as soon as", and "if".
  • This applies to all forms of English, formal and informal, British, American, Canadian, and Australian English.
  • CJ
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2 Answers
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Adam SidorczukWhen can i use such a form?
In almost all cases, future time is expressed with the present tense of the verb in a subordinate clause, especially those clauses which begin with "when", "after", "before", "until", "once", "as soon as", and "if".

This applies to all forms of English, formal and informal, British, American, Canadian, and Aus
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