What is the meaning of "before it is safe"?

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shb27

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What is the meaning of "before it is safe"?

Other countries depend on nuclear power – power produced when atoms split. However, nuclear power produces dangerous waste which must be stored for thousands of years before it is safe. Accidents at nuclear power stations are extremely dangerous to people’s health and to the environment.

Does it mean that "before to be safe"?

And if it is, What is the name of this grammar rule?
 
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Raymott

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It means that the waste is not safe (will not be safe) for thousands of years, and it must be securely stored until that time.
"before to be safe" is meaningless. "before it is safe" means "before it becomes safe" or "before being safe".
 

shb27

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It means that the waste is not safe (will not be safe) for thousands of years, and it must be securely stored until that time.
"before to be safe" is meaningless. "before it is safe" means "before it becomes safe" or "before being safe".

Thanks a lot

But, what's the name of this grammar rule?
 

Raymott

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Thanks a lot

But, what's the name of this grammar rule?
The grammar rule for what specifically? I guess generally, the rule would be "Write grammatically".
 

shb27

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The grammar rule for what specifically? I guess generally, the rule would be "Write grammatically".


I mean the structure of the phrase (before it's safe) is familiar for me but only with the rule of the present continuous

look at these phrases below, please

before it is safe >> before it becomes safe
before it is late >> before it becomes late
before it is ready >> before it becomes ready

It seems I understood the rule but, I want to recognize it more
 

Rover_KE

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Understanding the usage is what matters.

There are no 'rules' governing every single aspect of the language.
 

MikeNewYork

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I mean the structure of the phrase (before it's safe) is familiar for me but only with the rule of the present continuous

look at these phrases below, please

before it is safe >> before it becomes safe
before it is late >> before it becomes late
before it is ready >> before it becomes ready

It seems I understood the rule but, I want to recognize it more

In those uses, "before" is a conjunction that is used to link two independent clauses. It sets up a sequence of events.

You will need evidence before you can convict me.
I will be at work before you wake up.
 
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