When talking about two future events where one must be completed before the other can begin, Italian uses a specific pairing of tenses. The action that finishes first takes the futuro anteriore (future perfect), and the action that happens second takes the simple future.
To connect these two steps, you will use time conjunctions like quando (when), dopo che (after), and appena (as soon as).
Using Quando and Dopo che
Use quando or dopo che followed by the futuro anteriore to establish the prerequisite step in a process, such as restoring a piece of antique furniture.
| When we have sanded the old furniture, we will see the scratches. | Quando avremo carteggiato il vecchio mobile, vedremo i graffi. |
| After he has applied the varnish, the furniture will be very delicate. | Dopo che avrà passato la vernice, il mobile sarà molto delicato. |
Using Appena
When the second action will happen immediately after the first is finished, use appena (as soon as).
| As soon as I have removed the stain, I will be able to apply the wax. | Appena avrò rimosso la macchia, potrò mettere la cera. |
| As soon as I have removed the stain, I will polish the delicate handle. | Appena avrò rimosso la macchia, luciderò la maniglia delicata. |
Changing the Clause Order
The phrase containing the conjunction and the futuro anteriore does not have to go at the beginning of the sentence. You can naturally place it after the main future action.
| We will polish the wood only after we have put on the wax. | Lucideremo il legno solo dopo che avremo messo la cera. |
| It is necessary to mount the handles as soon as we have finished polishing. | Bisogna montare le maniglie appena avremo finito di lucidare. |
