Connecting events in time with before, after, while, until, as soon as
Main clause + time conjunction + clause (or reverse order)
Negate verb in either clause as needed
When did you...? Before/After + clause
💡 Use present tense after time conjunctions for future meaning (not will).
✓I'll text you before I leave.
✗I'll text you before I will leave.
Use present after time conjunctions for future.
✓She called after she arrived.
✗She called after she had arrive.
Keep tenses consistent; past simple or past perfect.
✓While I was cooking, he set the table.
✗While I cooked, he was setting the table.
Background action often uses continuous.