Time clauses can describe a pending event or a routine.

The idea

After en cuanto, use the subjunctive for a pending future event and the indicative for a habitual event.

Examples

  • En cuanto llegue el tren, saldremos.As soon as the train arrives, we will leave.
  • Te llamaré en cuanto termine la reunión.I will call you as soon as the meeting ends.
  • En cuanto abras la caja, verás el mapa.As soon as you open the box, you will see the map.
  • En cuanto amanece, los pájaros cantan.As soon as day breaks, the birds sing.
  • En cuanto suena el timbre, abrimos la tienda.As soon as the bell rings, we open the shop.
  • Mi perro bebe agua en cuanto vuelve del paseo.My dog drinks water as soon as it returns from its walk.

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Watch out

A future main verb does not make the time-clause verb future indicative.

Try it yourself

  1. Choose the correct form: En cuanto ___ el paquete mañana, te avisaré. (llegue / llega)

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    llegue

    llegue: The delivery is still pending.

  2. Choose the correct form: Cada mañana, en cuanto ___ el timbre, comienza la clase. (suena / suene)

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    suena

    suena: The bell rings as part of a routine.

  3. Choose the correct form: En cuanto tú ___ a casa esta noche, cenaremos. (llegues / llegas)

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    llegues

    llegues: The arrival is expected in the future.

Use it today

Write a sentence about a future event and another about a habit.