Temporal clauses are subordinate clauses which are introduced by temporal conjunctions or other similar expressions, such as conjunction phrases.
Italian time-based subordinate conjunctions indicate the temporal relation between events that take place in the main and subordinate clauses. The temporal relation may involve actions or events occurring simultaneously or at different points in time, whether in the past, present or future.
The conjunctions presented below can be used with verbs in the indicative, subjunctive and conditional, as we will see over the course of this lesson.
quando = when:
The example above depicts events that happened one after the other, and quando helps us understand the time frame of the events. (Upon entering the restaurant, the subject of the sentence greeted everyone.)
come = once, as soon as
(non) appena = as soon as
dopo che = after
allorché - (nel momento in cui) = when, as soon as, in the moment that
.
prima che = before (subjunctive trigger)
mentre = while
NB: Verbs in the imperfect tense often follow mentre, since this conjunction depicts the relationship between events happening concurrently.
finché = until (fino a quando); as long as, as much as (per tutto il tempo che)
Finché is normally followed by a verb in the future tense, due to its relationship with the longevity of an action that is not yet complete or finished.
ogni volta che = whenever, every time (that)
Italian time-based subordinate conjunctions indicate the temporal relation between events that take place in the main and subordinate clauses. The temporal relation may involve actions or events occurring simultaneously or at different points in time, whether in the past, present or future.
The conjunctions presented below can be used with verbs in the indicative, subjunctive and conditional, as we will see over the course of this lesson.
quando = when:
| Quando entrò nel ristorante, salutò tutti calorosamente. When he walked into the restaurant, he greeted everyone warmly. |
The example above depicts events that happened one after the other, and quando helps us understand the time frame of the events. (Upon entering the restaurant, the subject of the sentence greeted everyone.)
come = once, as soon as
(non) appena = as soon as
| Come/Non appena seppe della promozione, lanciò un urlo di gioia. As soon as he heard of the promotion, he let out a joyful scream. |
dopo che = after
| Dopo che avremo completato i colloqui, contatteremo gli artisti che parteciperanno allo spettacolo. After we’ll have completed the interviewing process, we’ll contact the artists who will participate in the show. |
allorché - (nel momento in cui) = when, as soon as, in the moment that
| Allorché seppe che Marta era di nuovo in città, la chiamò per invitarla a pranzo. As soon as he learned that Marta was back in town, he called her to invite her to lunch. |
prima che = before (subjunctive trigger)
| Prima che ci trasferissimo in centro, vivevamo in una casa sulle colline. Before we moved downtown, we lived in a house up in the hills. |
mentre = while
| Ho parlato al telefono con lei mentre cucinavo. I spoke on the phone with her while I was cooking. |
NB: Verbs in the imperfect tense often follow mentre, since this conjunction depicts the relationship between events happening concurrently.
finché = until (fino a quando); as long as, as much as (per tutto il tempo che)
| Finché sarà possibile, continuerò ad appoggiare il tuo progetto. As long as I will be able to do so, I will continue to support your project. |
Finché is normally followed by a verb in the future tense, due to its relationship with the longevity of an action that is not yet complete or finished.
ogni volta che = whenever, every time (that)
| Ogni volta che decidevo di andarla a trovare, c’era uno sciopero dei treni. Every time I planned on going to visit her, there was a train strike. |