Ampersand Lab

Intermediate grammar · Lesson 25 · B1

when I do and when I've done if and when

After when, before, after, while, until and as soon as, talk about the future with the present (or the present perfect when one thing finishes first), not will. If is for what may happen; when is for what will.

Start the lesson

14Steps · about 27 minutes

In this lesson

when I do, not when I will doA2 screens of questions
when I've done: one thing finished firstB2 screens of questions
if and whenC5 screens of questions

Point A of 3

when I do, not when I will do

Josh is on the coach to Manchester, ringing his mum.

"I'll ring you again when I arrive."

There are two halves here: the main clause (I'll ring you again) and the when clause (when I arrive). Although the arrival is in the future, Josh uses the present: when I arrive. Saying when I will arrive would be wrong.

So it is when I do something, when something happens: will never goes inside the when clause. while, before, after, as soon as and until (or till) follow the same rule.

  • We'll set off when the rain stops. (not when it will stop)
  • Next time you're in Hull, give us a ring and come round. (not Next time you will be)
  • Please feed the cat before you leave. (not before you will leave)
  • What will you do while I'm in hospital? (not while I will be)
  • Before you go, there's something I need to tell you.
  • Stay here until I get back. (or till I get back)

Point A · Exercise 25.2 · part 1 of 2

Complete the sentences with the verbs in brackets. Use will or won't, or the present.

  1. Example

    When you're (you / be) in York again, you must come for tea.

    AnswerWhen you're in York again, you must come for tea.

  2. I want to see Ryan before (he / go) back to university next week.

  3. Text me when (you / know) what time you'll be here.

  4. Take your time. (I / sit) here and read until (you / finish).

  5. I'm popping to the shop. (you / still / be) up when (I / come) back?

Point A · Exercise 25.2 · part 2 of 2

Complete the sentences with the verbs in brackets. Use will or won't, or the present.

  1. I don't expect any trouble, but if (anything / go) wrong, (I / ring) you straight away.

  2. Mollie has cut her hair really short. (you / not / know) her when (you / meet) her.

  3. I'm away for a few days. If (you / need) to get hold of me while (I / be) away, ring my mobile.

Point B of 3

when I've done: one thing finished first

After when, after, until and as soon as you can also use the present perfect. It shows that one thing is complete before the other: they do not happen at the same time.

If the two things happen together, do not use the present perfect.

Often either the present simple or the present perfect is fine.

  • Can I borrow the paper when you've finished with it?
  • Don't mention the party while Gemma's here. Wait until she's gone.
  • When I've rung the vet, we can go. (first I'll ring the vet, then we can go)
  • When I ring the vet, I'll ask about the injections. (not When I've rung)
  • I'll join you once I finish this email.
  • I'll join you once I've finished this email.
  • Your headache will go once you've drunk some water.

Point B · Exercise 25.3 · part 1 of 2

Read each situation and complete the sentence.

  1. Example

    You and a friend want to go for a walk, but it's pouring. You don't want to get drenched.

    Let's wait until it stops raining.

    AnswerLet's wait until it stops raining.

  2. You're at a friend's house. It will be dark soon and you want to get home before then.

    I'd better be off before .

  3. You want to sell your bike. Sanjay might buy it but hasn't decided yet.

    Let me know as soon as .

  4. Your friends are going to Lisbon soon. You want to know where they'll stay.

    Who's looking after the dog while ?

  5. Parking in your town is a nightmare, but a new car park is going to be built.

    Parking should get easier once they .

Point B · Exercise 25.3 · part 2 of 2

Read each situation and complete the sentence.

  1. Someone you know has been very rude to you. You want an apology.

    I'm not speaking to her until .

Point C of 3

if and when

After if, we normally use the present for the future.

Use if, not when, for things that may or may not happen. Use when for things that are sure to happen.

Compare: "I might pop out later. If I go out, I'll get some milk." (possible) and "I'm going out later. When I go out, I'll get some milk." (certain)

  • I'll complain if the noise starts up again. (not if it will start)
  • Get a move on. If we don't hurry, we'll miss the start.
  • If it's still raining tonight, I'll stay in. (not when it's raining)
  • Don't worry if I'm late back. (not when I'm late)
  • If they're not here soon, I'm going without them.
  • I might pop into town later. If I do, I'll pick up some bread.
  • I'm popping into town later. When I do, I'll pick up some bread.

Point C · Exercise 25.1 · part 1 of 3

Which is correct? Write the right form.

  1. Example

    Please switch the heating off when you leave (you leave / you'll leave).

    AnswerPlease switch the heating off when you leave.

  2. As soon as we hear anything, (we let / we'll let) you know.

  3. I want to get to the ground before the match (starts / will start).

  4. Don't cross yet. Wait until the man (turns / will turn) green.

  5. Auntie Pat will be here any minute. (I make / I'll make) a pot of tea when she comes.

Point C · Exercise 25.1 · part 2 of 3

Which is correct? Write the right form.

  1. I'm nineteen now. I wonder what I'll be doing when (I'm fifty / I'll be fifty).

  2. (I hold / I'll hold) the door until you've got the pushchair through.

  3. Alfie is six. He says he'll be an astronaut when (he's older / he'll be older).

  4. We could have lunch together tomorrow if (you're / you'll be) free.

Point C · Exercise 25.1 · part 3 of 3

Which is correct? Write the right form.

  1. If the weather (is / will be) decent on Sunday, we're going to Whitby.

  2. Kai (is / will be) gutted if he doesn't get into the team.

  3. Your cold will clear up once (you've rested / you'll rest) for a few days.

Point C · Exercise 25.4 · part 1 of 2

Put in when or if.

  1. Example

    Don't worry if I'm late tonight.

    AnswerDon't worry if I'm late tonight.

  2. Mind that ladder. You'll hurt yourself you fall.

  3. I'm going to the market. you want anything, I'll get it for you.

  4. I'm away until Thursday. I'll ring you I get back.

  5. I don't see you at the weekend, when will I see you?

Point C · Exercise 25.4 · part 2 of 2

Put in when or if.

  1. I'm watching a documentary at the moment. it finishes, I'm going to bed.

  2. We can eat in or, you'd rather, we can get a takeaway.

  3. I hope Lily can make it to the party. It'll be a shame she can't come.

Lesson 25 · Result

How you did

Next lesson: can, could and (be) able toBack to the course

–Right

Each point

A. when I do, not when I will do–Not checkedB. when I've done: one thing finished first–Not checkedC. if and when–Not checked