dum, ubi, postquam, cum (When, While, After)

When, While, After

Level 3

Four small words that say when.

How It Works

WordMeaningExample
dumwhileDum Marcus legit, Iulia cantat.
ubiwhenUbi Iulia cantat, Marcus tacet.
cumwhenCum Marcus venit, Iulia cantat.
postquamafterPostquam Marcus venit, Iulia risit.

Postquam is usually followed by the perfect: it names something that was done, and then the main part follows.

The clause can come first or last: Iulia risit postquam Marcus venit. Cum with the subjunctive is a different pattern, taught at Level 5. Here cum just names a fact.

Dum has more than one meaning. With the present it means while. With other patterns, which you will meet later, it can mean until or as long as.

Examples (5)

  1. Dum Marcus legit, Iulia cantat.

    While Marcus reads, Iulia sings.

    Dum is followed by the present, and the two actions go on together.

  2. Postquam Marcus venit, Iulia risit.

    After Marcus came, Iulia laughed.

    Postquam is followed by the perfect: venit, then risit.

  3. Ubi Iulia cantat, Marcus tacet.

    When Iulia sings, Marcus is quiet.

    Ubi starts the when clause.

  4. Cum Marcus venit, Iulia cantat.

    When Marcus comes, Iulia sings.

    Cum names the moment when Iulia sings.

  5. Postquam Maria angelum audivit, laeta fuit.

    After Mary heard the angel, she was happy.

    Audivit and fuit are both perfects.

Common Mistakes

  • Using post as a joining word.

    Post Marcus venit, Iulia risit.
    Postquam Marcus venit, Iulia risit.

    Post is a preposition with the accusative. To join two parts of a sentence, use postquam.

How It Connects

Tap a pattern to see what it builds on and what it leads to.

dum, ubi, postquam, cum (When, While, After)Level 3When, While, After

Learn This First

These time words take the perfect or the present, so both come first.

Learn Next

Patterns that build on this one.

Words in This Pattern

dumubipostquamcum