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Unit 25 · Future

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

Study

A

Study this example:

Amy is on a train. She's calling a friend.

›

I'll call you again later when I arrive.

'I'll call you again later when I arrive' is a sentence with two parts: the main part: I'll call you again later and when … : when I arrive

The time is future ('later'), but Amy says:

›

… when I arrive (not when I will arrive)

We say

›

when I do something (not will do)

›

when something happens (not will happen)

Some more examples:

›

We'll go out when it stops raining. (not when it will stop)

›

When you are here again, you must come and see us. (not When you will be)

›

Don't forget to lock the door when you go out. (not will go)

The same thing happens after while / before / after / as soon as / until:

›

What are you going to do while I'm away? (not while I will be)

›

Before you go, there's something I want to ask you.

›

Wait here until I come back. or … till I come back.

B

You can also use the present perfect (have done) after when / after / until / as soon as:

›

Can I have the newspaper when you've finished with it?

›

Don't say anything while Ian is here. Wait until he has gone.

We use the present perfect to show that one thing is complete before the other. The two things do not happen together:

›

When I've phoned Kate, we can go out.

(= first I'll phone Kate and after that we can go out)

Do not use the present perfect if the two things happen together:

›

When I phone Kate, I'll ask her about the party. (not when I've phoned)

It is often possible to use either the present simple or the present perfect:

›

I'll come as soon as I finish. or I'll come as soon as I've finished.

›

You'll feel better after you have something to eat. or You'll feel better after you've had something to eat.

C

if and when

After if, we normally use the present (if I do / if I see etc.) for the future:

›

I'll be angry if it happens again. (not if it will happen)

›

Hurry up! If we don't hurry, we'll be late.

We use if (not when) for things that will possibly happen (or not happen):

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If it is raining this evening, I won't go out. (not when it is raining)

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Don't worry if I'm late tonight. (not when I'm late)

›

If they don't come soon, I'm not going to wait for them.

We use when for things which are sure to happen. Compare:

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I might go out later. (it's possible) If I go out, I'll get some bread.

›

I'm going out later. (for sure) When I go out, I'll get some bread.

Exercises (4)

0/4 exercises checked
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25.1

Which is correct?

  1. 1
    Don't forget to lock the door when you out / you'll go out. (you go out is correct)example
  2. 2
    As soon as we get any more information, .
  3. 3
    I want to get to the cinema before the film .
  4. 4
    Don't drive through a red light. Wait until .
  5. 5
    Sarah will be here soon. .
  6. 6
    I'm 20 now. I wonder where I'll be when .
  7. 7
    I for you until you're ready, but don't be long.
  8. 8
    Oliver is five years old. He wants to be a TV presenter when .
  9. 9
    We could meet for coffee tomorrow morning if .
  10. 10
    If the weather nice tomorrow, we're going to the beach.
  11. 11
    Vicky very disappointed if she doesn't get a place at university.
  12. 12
    You'll feel better after .
25.2

Complete the sentences using the verbs in brackets. Use will/won't or the present (see/plays/are etc.).

  1. 1
    When you (you / be) here again, you must come and see us.example
  2. 2
    I want to see Sophie before (she / go) away next week.
  3. 3
    Call me when (you / know) what time you're going to get here.
  4. 4
    There's no need to hurry. (I / wait) for you until (you / be) ready.
  5. 5
    I'm going out for about an hour. (you / still / be) here when (I / get) back?
  6. 6
    I think everything will be fine, but if (there / be) any problems, (I / let) you know, OK?
  7. 7
    Kate looks completely different now. You (you / not / recognise) her when (you / see) her again.
  8. 8
    I'm going to be away for a few days. If (you / need) to contact me while (I / be) away, you can call me.
25.3

Read the situations and complete the sentences.

  1. 1
    You and a friend want to go out, but it's raining hard. You don't want to get wet.
    You say: Let's wait until .example
  2. 2
    You're visiting a friend. It's going to get dark soon, and you want to leave before that.
    You ask: I'd better go now before .
  3. 3
    You want to sell your car. Mark is interested in buying it, but he hasn't decided yet.
    You ask: Let me know as soon as .
  4. 4
    Your friends are going to Hong Kong soon. You want to know where they're going to stay.
    You ask: Where are you going to stay when .
  5. 5
    The traffic is bad in your town, but they are going to build a new road.
    You say: I think things will be better when .
  6. 6
    Someone you know has been very rude to you. You want her to apologise.
    You say (to someone else): I won't speak to her until .
25.4

Put in when or if.

  1. 1
    Don't worry I'm late tonight.example
  2. 2
    Be careful. You'll hurt yourself you fall.
  3. 3
    I'm going shopping. you want anything, I can get it for you.
  4. 4
    I'm going away for a few days. I'll call you I get back.
  5. 5
    I don't see you tomorrow, when will I see you again?
  6. 6
    I'm watching a programme on TV right now. it finishes, I'm going to bed.
  7. 7
    We can eat at home or, you prefer, we can go to a restaurant.
  8. 8
    I hope Sarah can come to the party. It will be a shame she can't come.