If he arrives or if he will arrive?
Which of the following sentences is correct?
1) I don't know if he arrives before dark.
2) I don't know if he will arrive before dark.
If both are possible, do they mean the same thing?
Thank you.
Top answer
(2) is most likely what you want. Normally we do not use "will" in an "if" clause. ".
- (2) is most likely what you want.
- Normally we do not use "will" in an "if" clause.
- ".
- ", where in fact "if" means "whether", are an exception to this rule.
- (1) is not impossible but it seems less likely.
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(2) is most likely what you want. Normally we do not use "will" in an "if" clause. For example, we say "If he arrives before dark then we will be OK" not "If he will arrive before dark ...". However, sentences like this with "I don't know if ...", where in fact "if" means "whether", are an exception to this rule.
(1) is not impossible but it seems less likely. The tense pattern implies t
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