Practice Exercises: Joining Stages with Present Perfect and Time Connectors

Sequence & Cohesion

Using Time Connectors + Present Perfect Passive

The Formula

To emphasize that one stage is completely finished before the next begins, use:

(Once / When / After) + Subject + has/have been + Past Participle

Example 1: Book Production Connector: AFTER

[Image of book binding process]

"The books are printed, and then they are bound together."

"After the books have been printed, they are then bound together."

Analysis: We use "have been" because 'books' is plural. This shows printing must finish before binding starts.

Example 2: Baking Bread Connector: ONCE

[Image of dough rising]

"The dough is kneaded, and then it is left to rise."

"Once the dough has been kneaded, it is then left to rise."

Analysis: We use "has been" because 'dough' is uncountable/singular. "Once" emphasizes the completion of the kneading.

Example 3: Food Prep Connector: WHEN

"The vegetables are washed, and then they are chopped into small pieces."

"When the vegetables have been washed, they are then chopped into small pieces."

Analysis: "When" indicates that the chopping happens immediately after the washing is complete.

Example 4: Decoration Connector: AFTER

"The cake is baked in the oven, and then it is decorated with frosting."

"After the cake has been baked in the oven, it is then decorated with frosting."

Analysis: This structure ensures the reader understands the cake must be fully baked before any frosting is added.