Difference between if and when

deni · #1 (permalink) Wed May 25, 2005 9:41 am *Difference between if and when*

Test No. errors/elem-1 "Much information", question 2

When it is possible, I will help you later today.

(a) When
(b) will
(c) later

Test No. errors/elem-1 "Much information", answer 2

If it is possible, I will help you later today.

Correct entry: If
The error was: (a) When
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When it is possible,i will help you later today

Torsten · #2 (permalink) Wed May 25, 2005 16:30 pm *Difference between if and when*

The correct answer is If it is possible, I will help you later today. The word if states a condition while when indicates a time. For example you can say: I'll help you when I'm finished with my work. This means you are sure you will finish your work and afterwards you can help your friend. If your sentence starts with If it is possible, you don't know whether or not you will be able to help.
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abhishek · #3 (permalink) Fri Jan 20, 2006 12:03 pm *If or whenever*

is it possible to have "whenever" instead of "if" in this problem...

Alan · #4 (permalink) Fri Jan 20, 2006 19:21 pm *If/whenever*

Hi abhishek,

Whenever means every time when/it doesn't matter when. If is a condition.

Alan
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