emploi des expressions temporelles complexes grammar in French

Language: French
Level: B2
Unit: Adverbes, comparatifs et prépositions
Practice types: 0

What this grammar point covers

Complex temporal expressions in French are phrases that indicate more precise or nuanced moments or durations in time. They often combine prepositions, conjunctions, or multiple time markers.

When to use it

Use these expressions to describe when something happens, for how long, or in relation to another event. They help make your sentences more precise and natural in French.

Key forms

avant que + subjonctif (ex: avant que tu partes)
après avoir/être + participe passé (ex: après avoir mangé)
depuis que + indicatif (ex: depuis que je travaille ici)
pendant que + indicatif (ex: pendant que tu dors)
jusqu'à ce que + subjonctif (ex: jusqu'à ce qu'il arrive)

Examples

Avant que tu partes, ferme la porte.

English: Before you leave, close the door.

Après avoir fini ses devoirs, il est sorti.

English: After finishing his homework, he went out.

Depuis que je vis à Paris, je parle mieux français.

English: Since I have lived in Paris, I speak better French.

J'attendrai jusqu'à ce que tu reviennes.

English: I will wait until you come back.

Tips

Remember to use the subjunctive after 'avant que' and 'jusqu'à ce que'.
After 'après', use 'avoir' or 'être' plus the past participle, not the infinitive.
Do not confuse 'depuis que' (since) with 'pendant que' (while); they express different time relations.

Exceptions and edge cases

Some expressions require the subjunctive, others the indicative. Pay attention to the verb mood.
With 'après que', French traditionally used the indicative, but some speakers now use the subjunctive.