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Nsfs2 Posted 13 years ago
Grammar

When and if

Hi,

What's the difference?

'Can you tell me when dinner is ready?'
'Can you tell me if dinner is ready?'

Thanks.
  

Top answer

nsfs2 What's the difference? It seems to me that it's obvious. 'when' and 'if'.

— CalifJim

  • nsfs2 What's the difference?
  • It seems to me that it's obvious.
  • 'when' and 'if'.
  • 1.
  • WHEN (At the time that) dinner is ready, tell me that dinner is ready.
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3 Answers
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nsfs2What's the difference?
It seems to me that it's obvious. 'when' and 'if'.

1. WHEN (At the time that) dinner is ready, tell me that dinner is ready. (Not before. Not after.)
2. Do you know IF/WHETHER dinner is ready? (Is dinner ready?) (Yes or no.)

CJ
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nsfs2'Can you tell me when dinner is ready?'
You know dinner's not ready, and you're requesting someone to tell you when it is ready.
nsfs2'Can you tell me if dinner is ready?'
You don't know if dinner's ready or not, and you're inquiring about the same.
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