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Hotmale Posted 11 years ago
Grammar

If or when

Hello,

I don't think I understand the difference between "if" and "when" in conditional sentences and this explanation instead of clearifying things made them more obscure:

Both "if" and "when" are used in the Present Real Conditional. Using "if" suggests that something happens less frequently. Using "when" suggests that something happens regularly.

Examples:
When I have a day off from work, I usually go to the beach.
(I regularly have days off from work.)
If I have a day off from work, I usually go to the beach.
(I rarely have days off from work.)

I don't feel the difference Emotion: sad
Can you please confirm that this explanation (taken from a website) is correct?

Thank you
  

Top answer

If implies something may or may not happen. When implies something will happen.

— Xillius

  • If implies something may or may not happen.
  • When implies something will happen.
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4 Answers
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If implies something may or may not happen.
When implies something will happen.
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Oh, I see. Thank you!
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HotmaleI don't feel the difference.
I don't either. Not really. The difference is minimal when expressing a regularly occurring correlation between two situations.

CJ
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Thank you, CalifJim. Maybe the choice of the examples was not the best. I don't know. I will keep in mind this regularity.
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