Indicative in Factual Time Clauses
Temporal clauses use indicative when they state habitual or realized events.
How It Works
Quan arriba, truca describes a habitual sequence: whenever the person arrives, they call. A realized past sequence also uses indicative: quan va arribar, va trucar. The temporal clause supplies factual timing rather than an unfulfilled future condition.
For an event that has yet to occur in the relevant frame, use subjunctive: quan arribi, trucarà. English often uses a present form in both meanings, so inspect the context rather than copying the English tense.
The main clause may contain an instruction or another tense, but that alone does not make every time clause subjunctive. Ask whether the arrival is asserted as a recurring or completed fact, or remains prospective.
Examples (3)
- Quan arriba, sempre truca.
When she arrives, she always calls.
- Quan va arribar, vam sopar.
When he arrived, we had dinner.
- Mentre treballava, escoltava música.
While she worked, she listened to music.
How It Connects
Learn This First
Distinguish factual from prospective time clauses before selecting advanced temporal forms. Distinguish habitual or background past from completed narrative events.
Related Patterns
Learn Next
Patterns that build on this one.
Practice Indicative in Factual Time Clauses in Bubblegum
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