Intermediate Grammar
Master English grammar one unit at a time. Clear notes, then 40+ interactive exercises with instant feedback — based on the topics in English Grammar in Use (Intermediate).
When and If“when I do / when I’ve done” — 44 interactive questions
📖 Grammar Reference — When and If
Study the notes, then work through the six exercises.
A After when — use the present, not will
When you talk about the future, use the present simple (not will) after these time words: when, while, before, after, until, as soon as. The will goes in the other part of the sentence.
| future plan | I‘ll phone you when I get home. (not when I will get) |
| before / after | Lock the door before you leave. |
| until | We‘ll wait here until the rain stops. |
| as soon as | As soon as he calls, I‘ll tell him. |
💡 The action hasn’t happened yet, but English still uses the present form after these words.
B After if — present too
Talking about a possible future, if works just like when: use the present simple after it, and will in the main clause.
C when or if? Sure vs maybe
Both take the present, but they mean different things: when = you’re sure it will happen; if = it’s only possible.
D when I’ve done — one thing finished first
Use the present perfect (have done) after when / after / until / as soon as to stress that the first action is completely finished before the next one starts.
💡 The present simple is often fine too — but have done makes “first this, then that” extra clear.
Made with care for English learners · allenglish4u.com
Original practice material inspired by the English Grammar in Use syllabus (Cambridge University Press). Example sentences and exercises are written by All English 4U.