The usage of two verbs in different tenses in the same sentence.

English as a Second Language English Vocabulary, Grammar and Idioms
1

Hi friends.
I would like to get some help about which is the best way to write the following sentences:

1 - The file will be downloaded before the importation gets started.
2 - The file will be downloaded before the importation be started.
3 - The file will be downloaded before the importation is started.

Does the expression “prior to” work in this sentence too? For example:

1 - The file will be downloaded prior to the importation gets started.

many thanks.
Abraão.

2

Hi Abraão,

I’m not sure I understand the matter you’re addressing. Usually you download a file, and this process could also be called a ‘file import’.

So

The download will continue until the file has been completely imported.

could be a possible sentence. But I can’t really think of a context in which to use it.

3

What I mean is: one thing will take place before another. The two subjects (file and importation) actually don’t need to have any bond. They could be any other subjects as long as one take place before the other. My doubt only focuses on the subjuctive mood in this specific case because the second verb of the sentence seems to be in this mood. I’ll give the example with different subjects to try clearing my doubt:

1 - The boy will have some water before the English class gets started.
2 - The boy will have some water before the English class be started.
3 - The boy will have some water before the English class is started.
4 - The boy will have some water before the English class starts.

which one does sound more natural?

thanks.

4

1 and 4 are possible. because you need the simple present in the latter half.

5

Perhaps you meant “execution”?

I think you must put a noun after “prior to”. So you cannot say “prior to importation [color=red]gets started”.

Just a thought.

6

thanks guys.