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Unit 2: English In A Minute
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Session 27

If you ever wonder when we use 'when' and 'if', watch this video with Roy. Find out in this English In A Minute.

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    Activity 1
  1. Activity 1

Activity 1

When vs If

Let Roy explain the difference between 'when' and 'if'. Find out in our 60 second English lesson.

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Roy

Hi, I'm Roy and today I'm going to tell you the difference between when and if.

Firstly, you can use when or if with the present simple when it is a fact, or a repeated action.

If or when you put water in the freezer, it becomes ice.

We use if for unknown or possible situations

If it rains today, I'll take my umbrella.

We use when to say we are certain something is going to happen in the future.

When I go home, I'll watch a film.

Compare these two sentences:

If I eat breakfast today, I'll have toast.

I might not eat breakfast

When I eat breakfast today, I'll have toast.

I will eat breakfast

Anyway, that’s everything for today. I’ve got go because I’m hungry. If I don’t eat breakfast, I get grumpy.

Bye.

 

 

When vs If

You can use when or if with the present simple when it is a fact, or a repeated action.

  • When I go home, I have dinner.
  • If I go home, I have dinner.

We use if for unknown or possible situations

  • If it snows this year, I'll go skiing.
  • If I see your dad, I'll say hello.

We use when to say we are certain something is going to happen in the future.

  • When I graduate, I'll get a job.
  • When I get home, I'll watch a film.

 

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