> Other English exercises on the same topics: Adverbs | Speaking | Conjunctions [Change theme]
	> Similar tests: - Adverbs of frequency - Vocabulary: greeting people - Vocabulary: on the phone - On the phone - Adjectives and adverbs - Interacting with someone - Adverbs of frequency - Dialogue : What time...?
	> Double-click on words you don't understand

Expressing time: by... , by the time..., once...

1) BY : may express a deadline, whether it is a ‘date or a time limit'.

ex: Yes! You may go out, provided you're back by 10.00pm

ex: Tell me by tomorrow.

ex: Your project must be finished by next Saturday! 

2) BY  THE TIME + clause = ‘before the limit', ‘when...', ‘before' ... ; an action happened before another one, the latest possible moment is the moment when this other action is happening.

ex: By the time he got to the top, he was exhausted ! 

ex: By the time he arrived , his brother had already left. 

3) ONCE  is a conjunction meaning ‘as soon as' or ‘after',  or if ever.

ex: Once I've picked Megan up, I'll call you.

ex: You'll pay for it once you've received it. 

Shall and will cannot be used in a subordinate clause introduced by once.

ex : Once I pass all my exams, I'll be fully qualified.

 The main Subordinate conjunctions  are:  after, (al)though, as, before, if, if ever, since, that, until, when, whereas, while, once, so, as soon as, provided that.

They can NEVER be followed by a future or a conditional. 

Ready for the test?  I'm sure you are... Go for it!  

Twitter Share
English exercise "Expressing time: by... , by the time..., once..." created by here4u with The test builder. [More lessons & exercises from here4u]
Click here to see the current stats of this English test

Please log in to save your progress.

1. Susie, don't forget your room must be tidied up by the timebyonceI don't know 5.


2. Yes, I promise, I'll give you my tablet byonceby the timeI don't know I've bought my new one.


3. We'll sign the purchase of this house, onceby the timebyI don't know all the necessary papers are available.


4. I'll have finished sewing this wonderful dress onceby the timebyI don't know she gets there for the rehearsal.


5. I'll have the money by the timebyonceI don't know Christmas, but won't be able to give it back before the New Year.


6. His health is so critical that he'll be dead onceforbyby the timeI don't know you receive this letter.


7. Well, I awfully need my computer... Could it be repaired oncebyby the timeI don't know next week, please?


8. He'll call you byby the timeonceI don't know 6 at the latest, but you'll have to pick up the phone very quickly.


9. Listen Mike! I can go to your party! Well! I'll have to be home onceby the timebyI don't know 11, but it's better than nothing!


10. Don't forget, Cinderella! By the timeOnceByI don't know twelve, your wonderful carriage will turn back into a pumpkin, and your servants will be rats again...