Difference between if and when

[deni]

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]

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.

TOEIC listening, photographs: A bonfire

[abhishek]

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

[Alan]

Hi abhishek,

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

Alan
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English as a Second Language
You can read my ESL story Present Simple

[Pasban110]

Hi,
Why can't we use while?

[Detlef]

Hi there,

'When' is used when someone is certain or sure that something will happen.
- e.g.: I'll see you next week when we're all at Peter's place. (meaning: we're certain to be at Peter's place)

'If' is used when someone is uncertain or not sure whether or not something will happen in the future.
- e.g.: I'll see you in September, if I come to Los Angeles. (meaning: perhaps I'll come, perhaps not)

'When' and 'If' are both possible to talk about repeated or predictable events (in the sence of whenever) with very little or no difference in meaning at all.

- e.g. When/ If you heat ice it turns into water.
- e.g. When/ If I'm in London I usually stay with my parents.

Detlef
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