The future perfect tense can seem intimidating, and using it with “as soon as” might feel even more complex. However, understanding this grammatical structure can significantly enhance your IELTS writing and speaking, allowing you to express future events with more precision and sophistication.
Let’s look at some examples of how “as soon as” and the future perfect tense can be used across different sections of the IELTS exam:
Speaking Part 2: “As soon as I have finished university, I plan to travel the world.”
Writing Task 1: “The graph indicates that the population will have doubled as soon as 2050.”
Writing Task 2: “Governments should invest in renewable energy sources as soon as they have acknowledged the severity of the climate crisis.”
In each of these examples, we’re talking about an action in the future (“finishing university,” “population doubling,” “acknowledging the severity”) that will be completed before another future event or time. This is the essence of using “as soon as” with the future perfect.
Understanding “As Soon As” + Future Perfect
This structure is specifically used to emphasize that one action in the future will be completed before another action in the future begins.
The Formula:
As soon as + [subject] + [present perfect tense], [subject] + [future simple tense].
Breakdown:
- “As soon as”: This phrase indicates that the second action will happen immediately after the first action is finished.
- Present perfect tense: This tense (“have/has” + past participle) describes the action that will be completed first.
- Future simple tense: This tense (“will” + base verb) describes the action that will happen second, immediately after the first action is finished.
Applying “As Soon As” + Future Perfect in IELTS
Writing Task 1:
Imagine you’re describing a graph that shows a projected increase in global temperatures. You could write:
“…and the graph predicts that average temperatures will have risen by 2 degrees Celsius as soon as 2040.”
Here, you’re highlighting that the temperature increase will have happened before the year 2040 arrives.
Writing Task 2:
In an essay discussing technological advancements, you might state:
“It is crucial that ethical guidelines for artificial intelligence are established as soon as scientists have developed truly autonomous machines.”
This emphasizes the urgency of creating guidelines—they need to be in place before autonomous machines become a reality.
Speaking Part 3:
During a discussion on future career goals, you could say:
“As soon as I have gained some more experience in marketing, I intend to start my own business.”
This demonstrates a clear plan: gaining experience is the first step, starting a business immediately follows.
Aiming Higher: Achieving Band 7+
Using “as soon as” with the future perfect already demonstrates a good command of English grammar. To further impress the examiner and potentially achieve a Band 7 or higher, consider:
- Varying your sentence structure: Don’t use this structure in every sentence. Use it strategically for emphasis.
- Combining it with other complex grammatical structures: For example, you could use it with conditional clauses (“If we haven’t addressed climate change by 2030, many coastal cities will have flooded as soon as 2050”).
- Ensuring your ideas are well-developed and logically connected: Remember, grammar is only one part of the IELTS assessment.
Common Errors and How to Avoid Them
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Incorrect tense sequence: The most common error is using the wrong tense after “as soon as.” Always use the present perfect for the action that will happen first.
Incorrect: As soon as I will finish my work, I will call you.
Correct: As soon as I have finished my work, I will call you. -
Overusing the structure: While effective, using it repeatedly can sound unnatural. Use it selectively for emphasis.
In Conclusion
Mastering the use of “as soon as” with the future perfect tense can be a valuable tool in your IELTS toolkit. By understanding its function and practicing its application in different contexts, you can enhance the clarity and sophistication of your English, ultimately boosting your chances of achieving your desired IELTS score. Remember to practice consistently, and soon you’ll be using this structure confidently and accurately in your writing and speaking.