1.1 If vs When

• Engels
• Middelbare school
• vwo
• Leerjaar 3

If or When

If or When?

If

for possible or unreal situations ---> You can only go in if you've got a ticket.

for possible or unreal conditions ---> If I were you I would break up with him

When

to refer to the time of a future situation ---> When I'm older I want to be a dancer

to refer to the time of a future condition that is certain 

---> The door will unlock when you enter 1234

Exercise 1

Complete the sentence using if or when

Type the whole sentence

...... it rains tomorrow, we won’t havea picnic.

I’m going to London. I’ll phone you .... I get back.

We’ll catch the train .... we leave immediately.

My father will buy me a car ... I’m eighteen.

I’m leaving work now. I’ll finish this letter .... I get home.

Exercise 2

Indicate for each sentence what the situation is:

1. possible / unreal situation

2. possible / unreal condition

3. future situation

4. future condition

I'm going away for a few days. I'll phone you when I get back.

1. possible / unreal situation
2. possible / unreal condition
3. future situation
4. future certain condition

The Barsleys will buy a new house in France when they are rich.

1. possible / unreal situation
2. possible / unreal condition
3. future situation
4. future certain condition

If we don't hurry up, we'll be late !

1. possible / unreal situation
2. possible / unreal condition
3. future situation
4. future certain condition

We are going to the supermarket, if you need anything, we 'll buy it.

1. possible / unreal situation
2. possible / unreal condition
3. future situation
4. future certain condition

I am going to Berlin next month. When I'm there, I'll visit a friend of mine.

1. possible / unreal situation
2. possible / unreal condition
3. future situation
4. future certain condition

We can eat at home or, if you prefer, we can go to a restaurant.

1. possible / unreal situation
2. possible / unreal condition
3. future situation
4. future certain condition

Come and see me if when you have finished !

1. possible / unreal situation
2. possible / unreal condition
3. future situation
4. future certain condition

I'm not going to the party if my girlfriend doesn't go.

1. possible / unreal situation
2. possible / unreal condition
3. future situation
4. future certain condition

The tyre will explode when you inflate it too much.

1. possible / unreal situation
2. possible / unreal condition
3. future situation
4. future certain condition

If I were free I would do only what I like.

1. possible / unreal situation
2. possible / unreal condition
3. future situation
4. future certain condition

Exercise 3

Extra practice:

Get the worksheet from your teacher

Exercise 4

Extra challenge

Create 5 unique sentences using if and 5 unique sentences using when

Use at least 20 words from the vocab list