0
Victor_amelkin Posted 16 years ago
Vocabulary
Using "if" instead of "when" when talking about something usual
Could you please suggest whether "if" may be used with the meaning
of "when" when talking about something that usually occures? For instance,
do the following two sentences mean the same?
1) When I have the choice of whether to read a book or watch a film,
I usually choose reading.
2) If I have the choice of whether to read a book or watch a film,
I (usually) choose reading.
Even if it is formally possible to use "if" and "when" interchangeably in
such a context, is it common? Will I be understood if I use "if" instead
of "when" in a colloqual speech?
Thanks in advance.
--
Victor
of "when" when talking about something that usually occures? For instance,
do the following two sentences mean the same?
1) When I have the choice of whether to read a book or watch a film,
I usually choose reading.
2) If I have the choice of whether to read a book or watch a film,
I (usually) choose reading.
Even if it is formally possible to use "if" and "when" interchangeably in
such a context, is it common? Will I be understood if I use "if" instead
of "when" in a colloqual speech?
Thanks in advance.
--
Victor
Top answer
Yes, those two sentences mean the same thing. You will be understood if you switch them out. I would say either of those.
- Yes, those two sentences mean the same thing.
- You will be understood if you switch them out.
- I would say either of those.
Get the Weekly English Kit 📬
New words, one handy idiom, and a 2-minute quiz — delivered to your inbox to keep your streak alive.
5 Answers
0
Yes, those two sentences mean the same thing. You will be understood if you switch them out. I would say either of those.
00
Both "when" and "if" are common in this usage. "If" might even be the preferred choice in casual speech, especially among the less educated.
Hmm, that sounds a little dumb. I mean, a PHD type might be more inclined to use "when."
Hmm, that sounds a little dumb. I mean, a PHD type might be more inclined to use "when."
00
Mystand, Avangi,
Thanks for your comments.
The question arose because of my suspicion of that the second
sentence
"If I have the choice of whether to read a book or watch a film,
I choose reading."
may be confused with the following one
"If I have the choice of whether to read a book or watch a film,
I
Thanks for your comments.
The question arose because of my suspicion of that the second
sentence
"If I have the choice of whether to read a book or watch a film,
I choose reading."
may be confused with the following one
"If I have the choice of whether to read a book or watch a film,
I
00
I think I understand your point. When it might be misunderstood as a sort of conditional, you'd prefer to use "when." I agree.
If there's no ambiguity, then either may be used.
We're really talking about habitual behavior, right?
When / if I'm late for class, I don't bother to shave.
If I have to jump out of that plane, I think I'll be sick. ("When" wo
If there's no ambiguity, then either may be used.
We're really talking about habitual behavior, right?
When / if I'm late for class, I don't bother to shave.
If I have to jump out of that plane, I think I'll be sick. ("When" wo
00
With the habitual behavior, you do it all the time.
With the conditional, it may never happen.
"If I have the choice of whether to read a book or watch a film,
I will choose reading."
Actually, I'm not sure "when" would insulate you from ambiguity here, even with the future tense. Both "when" and "if" coul
With the conditional, it may never happen.
"If I have the choice of whether to read a book or watch a film,
I will choose reading."
Actually, I'm not sure "when" would insulate you from ambiguity here, even with the future tense. Both "when" and "if" coul
0
Related Questions