"once it started I will eat" vs "once it starts I will eat"

Question

"once it started I will eat" vs "once it starts I will eat"

The correct phrase is "once it starts I will eat." The use of the present simple tense "starts" is appropriate in this context to indicate a future event that will trigger another action. The second phrase, "once it started I will eat," is incorrect because it combines the past tense "started" with the future tense "will eat," creating a mismatch in the verb tenses.

Last Updated: April 01, 2024

This phrase is used to express a future action that will happen when a specific event begins. The present simple tense "starts" is appropriate in this context.

Examples:

Once it starts raining, we will go inside.
Once the movie starts, I will turn off my phone.
Once the timer starts, you can begin cooking.
Once the music starts playing, everyone will start dancing.
Once the meeting starts, please turn off your cell phones.

Answer 1

once it started I will eat

This phrase is incorrect due to a mismatch in verb tenses.

Answer 2

once it starts I will eat

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"once it started I will eat" vs "once it starts I will eat"

once it started I will eat

once it starts I will eat

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