When I do vs When I have done
Master future time clauses to talk about sequences of events.
- check_circleI can use present simple for general sequences in the future.
- check_circleI can use present perfect to emphasize completion before the next action.
Discover
Meet today's English in a real situation — no rules yet. Read it once and try to guess the pattern in the words in bold. Underlined words open a short definition.
Elena: Hey, are we still meeting up later?
Mark: Yes! I’ll head over to your place as soon as I finish this report.
Elena: Great. Let me know when you are on your way so I can start making dinner. What should I cook?
Mark: Whatever you want, but don’t start cooking until I have left the office. Traffic might be terrible.
Elena: Okay, sounds good. I’ll just prep the ingredients and wait. By the way, can you bring some beverages?
Mark: Sure thing. I’ll stop at the store after I have sent the email to the boss. I want to make sure the project is officially submitted before I log off.
Elena: Perfect. And please don’t forget the ice! We always run out when we host these little get-togethers.
Mark: I won’t! See you in a bit.
Learn
Now the rules behind what you just saw — explained simply, with examples. Underlined words open a short definition — hover on desktop, tap on a phone.
When we talk about the future, we use present tenses after time words like when, as soon as, after, before, and until. We do not use will directly after these time words.
General sequence (Present Simple)
Use the present simple after when for a normal sequence of events in the future. It means one thing happens, and then another thing happens soon after.
I’ll call you when I arrive at the hotel.
Emphasizing completion (Present Perfect)
Use the present perfect after when or after when you want to be emphatic that the first action must be 100% finished before the second action can start.
Can I borrow that book when you have finished it?
Often, both tenses are possible and there is very little difference in meaning.
- I’ll come as soon as I finish.
- I’ll come as soon as I have finished.
Common mistake: Using will in the time clause.
- ❌ I’ll call you when I will arrive.
- ✅ I’ll call you when I arrive.
With “until”
After until, both forms are also possible, but the present perfect strongly highlights that the wait continues until the condition is fully met.
Don’t say anything until you have spoken to the lawyer.
- Future Time Words: when, after, as soon as, until, before.
- Rule: Never use will after these words for future time.
- When I do (Present Simple): Normal sequence of future events.
- When I have done (Present Perfect): Highlights that the first action must be completely finished before the next one starts.
Practice
Try it yourself. You'll see right away whether you got it right, plus a short explanation of why.
Use It
Now make the language yours in a real task. Use the prompt below — the editor keeps a simple word count, and nothing is saved or graded.
Before you finish — be honest. Can you do these now?