A. Future Real Conditional

Structure:

If / When ... Simple Present ..., ... Simple Future ...

... Simple Future ... if / when ... Simple Present ...

Notice that there is no future in the if- or when-clause.

The future real conditional is used to describe plans and realistic goals as well as possible outcomes. It allows you to say that there is a plan, but you are considering possible limiting factors. You could also use it to mention requirements or steps.

Examples:

 • If I give him his medicine, he will live.

 • He will live if I give him his medicine.

 • If your child is born in another country, will you still love him?

 • If I go to my friend's house for dinner tonight, I will take a bottle of wine or some flowers.
I AM STILL NOT SURE IF I WILL GO TO HIS HOUSE OR NOT.

 • When I have a day off from work, I am going to go to the beach.
I HAVE TO WAIT UNTIL I HAVE A DAY OFF.

 • If the weather is nice, she is going to walk to work.
IT DEPENDS ON THE WEATHER.

 • Jerry will help me with my homework when he has time.
I HAVE TO WAIT UNTIL HE HAS TIME.

 • I am going to read if there is nothing on TV.
IT DEPENDS ON THE TV SCHEDULE.

 • A: What are you going to do if it rains?
 • B: I am going to stay at home.

If / When

Both "if" and "when" are used in the Future Real Conditional, but the use is different from other Real Conditional forms. In the Future Real Conditional, "if" suggests that you do not know if something will happen or not. "When" suggests that something will definitely happen at some point; we are simply waiting for it to occur. Notice also that the Simple Future is not used in if-clauses or when-clauses.

Examples:

 • When you call me, I will give you the address.
YOU ARE GOING TO CALL ME LATER, AND AT THAT TIME, I WILL GIVE YOU THE ADDRESS.

 • If you call me, I will give you the address.
IF YOU WANT THE ADDRESS, YOU CAN CALL ME.