After means later than or following. We'll discuss the results after lunch. After you finish the first page, save the document. The time gap goes before after: ten minutes after the meeting ended.
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after + noun / after + subject + verb / after + -ing
- We'll discuss the results after lunch.
- After you finish the first page, save the document.
- She left the office ten minutes after the meeting ended.
What changed
First versionI'll send the photographs after I will get home.
RevisionI'll send the photographs after I get home.
Getting home happens in the future, so will seems logical: after I will get home. But in a clause with after, as with when and until, the present tense talks about the future: after I get home. Will stays in the main clause: I'll send the photographs.
Afterwards means 'later' and stands alone: We had lunch and talked afterwards. After needs a reference point: after lunch, after you finish. Later means 'at a later time', with no link to an event: See you later.
Your turn
Choose the verb in the future time clause: We can leave after the guide ___.
Show the answer
arrives — In a clause with after, the present tense talks about the future: after the guide arrives. Will arrive is the trap: the future already comes from the main clause.
Promise a friend you'll do something once your workday or a task is over. Use after with the present tense.
I'll check the final numbers after everyone sends their results.
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