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English Grammar: Sentences with When and If

After the words 'When' and 'If' to express future actions in English, the Present tense (most often Present simple) is used, not 'will' or 'be going to': I'll send you a postcard when I'm on holiday.

After the words When and If to express future actions in English, the Present tense (most often Present simple) is used, not will or be going to:

I'll send you a postcard when I'm on holiday. (not when I'll be )
– I'll send you a postcard when I go on vacation.

When the rain stops, we'll go out. (not when the rain will stop)
– When the rain stops, we'll go out.

I'll phone you if I get home earlier from work.
– I'll call you if I get home earlier from work.

We can use When and If in English with the Present tense to show that the first action will be completed before the second one:

When I read the book, you'll have it.
– When I read the book, you'll have it.

I'll come to the party if they invite me
– I'll come to the party if they invite me.

When and If are used in different situations in English. We use When when it's certain that things will happen. We use If when things are likely to happen:

I'm going shopping this afternoon. When I go out, I'll buy some food.
– I'm going shopping this afternoon. When I go out, I'll buy some food.

I might go shopping this afternoon. If I go out, I'll buy some food.
– I might go shopping this afternoon. If I go out, I'll buy some food.

If he doesn't come soon, I won't wait for him.
– If he doesn't come soon, I won't wait for him.

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