Primeiro Condicional: When vs If (Probabilidade e Tempo)
if (possível) de when (certo) ajuda muito a falar sobre eventos futuros e seus resultados com clareza. Probability e Timing!
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Use 'If' for things that might happen and 'When' for things that definitely will happen in the future.
- Use 'If' for possibilities: 'If it rains, I'll stay home.' (Maybe it rains).
- Use 'When' for certainties: 'When I get home, I'll call you.' (I will definitely get home).
- Never use 'will' immediately after 'if' or 'when' in the condition clause.
Overview
se acontecer isso, eu faço aquilo.
if e when.if comunica incerteza; usar when comunica certeza. Para nós, falantes de português, essa distinção é natural no pensamento, mas a estrutura gramatical do inglês prega algumas peças que vamos desvendar agora.inglês traduzido que soa travado, entender como o First Conditional funciona é o seu próximo passo essencial.Se eu for ao mercado...ou
Quando eu chegar em casa....
for e chegar não estão no presente (vou, chego) e nem no futuro simples (irei, chegarei). Elas estão nesse modo subjuntivo que indica possibilidade.if ou when).will em tudo. Mas a regra é clara: na parte da frase que estabelece a condição (a *if-clause*), o verbo fica no presente, mesmo que a ideia seja de futuro. O futuro propriamente dito só aparece na oração principal (a *main clause*), que mostra o resultado.- Português: Se eu estudar (Subjuntivo), eu passarei (Futuro).
- Inglês:
If I study (Present Simple), I will pass (Future).
study está no presente. Se você traduzisse literalmente como Se eu estudo, soaria estranho em português, mas em inglês é a única forma correta.if e when:- 1
If(Se): Usamos quando a situação é uma possibilidade. Pode acontecer ou não. Existe uma dúvida.
- Exemplo:
If I have money, I'll buy a new phone.(Talvez eu tenha dinheiro, talvez não. A compra depende dessa condição incerta).
- 1
When(Quando): Usamos quando a situação é uma certeza. O foco não é *se* vai acontecer, mas *em que momento* vai acontecer.
- Exemplo:
When I get home, I'll call you.(Eu com certeza vou chegar em casa. No momento em que isso acontecer, eu te ligo).
If / When Clause) | Parte do Resultado (Main Clause) |If / When + Sujeito + Present Simple | Sujeito + will + Verbo (Base Form) |If it rains tonight, | I will stay at home. |When the meeting ends, | we will go to the bar. |- A Vírgula: Se você começar a frase com
ifouwhen, você precisa usar uma vírgula para separar as duas partes. Se você começar com o resultado, a vírgula não é necessária. If you call me, I'll answer.(Com vírgula)I'll answer if you call me.(Sem vírgula)
- Terceira Pessoa (He/She/It): Como usamos o Present Simple na primeira parte, não esqueça de adicionar o
-sou-esse o sujeito forhe,sheouit. If she needs help, I'll be there.(E não:If she need...)
- Variações do Futuro: Embora o
willseja o mais comum, você pode usar outros modais no resultado para mudar o tom da conversa: Can(Habilidade/Permissão):If you finish your work, you can leave early.Might(Possibilidade remota):If I have time, I might go to the gym.Should(Conselho):If you feel sick, you should see a doctor.- Imperativo (Ordem/Instrução):
When you arrive at the airport, call an Uber.
If)If I finish my report by 6 PM, I'll meet you guys at the bar.
if é essencial porque existe a chance real de você não terminar o relatório. Se você usasse when, soaria como se você já soubesse que vai terminar exatamente às 18h).When)When the meeting is over, I'll send you the spreadsheet.
when aqui mostra profissionalismo e certeza. Se você dissesse if, seu chefe poderia pensar: Como assim *se* a reunião acabar? Ela vai durar para sempre?).
If you sign the contract today, we will give you a 10% discount.When you upgrade your plan, you will have access to all features.
When the driver arrives, you'll receive a notification.
If you enter the wrong password three times, your account will be locked.
Will duploSe eu irei viajar, eu comprarei malas. Isso nos leva a querer colocar
will nas duas partes da frase em inglês.- Errado:
If I will go to the party, I will buy a new dress. - Certo:
If I go to the party, I will buy a new dress. - Por que acontece? Porque queremos marcar o futuro em ambas as orações, mas em inglês, o
ifjáconsomea ideia de futuro, exigindo o presente.
S na terceira pessoa- Errado:
If he call me, I'll tell him. - Certo:
If he calls me, I'll tell him. - Por que acontece? No português, a conjugação do subjuntivo (
se ele ligar) é parecida com o infinitivo, então esquecemos de conjugar ocallscorretamente no presente do inglês.
If com When em situações de certezaif para tudo, o que pode passar uma imagem de insegurança.- Cenário: Você está saindo do escritório e vai para casa.
- Estranho:
If I get home, I'll cook dinner.(Parece que você não tem certeza se vai conseguir chegar em casa!) - Natural:
When I get home, I'll cook dinner.
If + Presente, Presente | If + Presente, Will + Verbo |If you heat ice, it melts. (Sempre acontece) | If you heat this soup, it will be better. (Desta vez) |When = Whenever (Sempre que) | When = No momento em que (Futuro) |going to em vez de will no First Conditional?going to funciona perfeitamente.If I save enough money, I'm going to travel to Europe.unless?Unless significa a menos que ou se não. Ele é basicamente um if + not.I'll go to the beach unless it rains. é o mesmo que I'll go to the beach if it doesn't rain. É uma forma muito elegante e comum de expressar condições negativas.If you see Maria, tell her to call me. (Se você vir a Maria, diga a ela para me ligar). É muito usado em ambientes de trabalho e recados de família.if, when e as soon as?If: 50% de chance (Incerteza).When: 100% de chance (Certeza do evento, dúvida apenas da hora).As soon as: 100% de chance + Urgência (Imediatamente após o evento).
I'll call you as soon as I arrive. (Vou te ligar no segundo em que eu pisar aí).if ou o when estão por perto. Pratique pensando nas suas tarefas de amanhã: o que você fará se tiver tempo e o que você fará quando terminar o trabalho?First Conditional Structure
| Clause Type | Conjunction | Subject | Verb Form | Example |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Condition
|
If / When
|
I / You / We / They
|
Present Simple (Base)
|
If they arrive...
|
|
Condition
|
If / When
|
He / She / It
|
Present Simple (+s/es)
|
When she arrives...
|
|
Result
|
(None)
|
Any Subject
|
Will + Base Verb
|
...we will start.
|
|
Negative Condition
|
If
|
Any Subject
|
Don't / Doesn't + Base
|
If it doesn't rain...
|
|
Negative Result
|
(None)
|
Any Subject
|
Won't + Base Verb
|
...we won't go.
|
Common Contractions
| Full Form | Contraction | Usage |
|---|---|---|
|
I will
|
I'll
|
Very common in speech
|
|
You will
|
You'll
|
Very common in speech
|
|
He will / She will
|
He'll / She'll
|
Very common in speech
|
|
It will
|
It'll
|
Common, but harder to hear
|
|
Will not
|
Won't
|
Standard negative
|
Meanings
The first conditional describes a real possibility in the future. 'If' introduces a condition that may or may not happen, while 'When' introduces an event the speaker is certain will occur.
Probability (If)
Used when the outcome depends on an uncertain event.
“If you study hard, you will pass the exam.”
“If we leave now, we'll catch the train.”
Certainty/Timing (When)
Used when the event is guaranteed to happen, and we are just waiting for the time to arrive.
“When the sun goes down, it will get cold.”
“When I turn 21, I'll have a big party.”
Immediate Sequence (As soon as)
A stronger version of 'when' emphasizing that the result happens immediately after the condition.
“As soon as the plane lands, I'll text you.”
“I'll pay the bill as soon as I get my salary.”
Reference Table
| Palavra-chave | Probabilidade | Significado | Cláusula Exemplo | Cláusula Principal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
If
|
Possível (50/50)
|
A condição pode acontecer
|
If it rains tomorrow,
|
I'll stay home.
|
|
When
|
Certo (100%)
|
O evento definitivamente vai acontecer
|
When I get home,
|
I'll eat dinner.
|
|
If
|
Possibilidade improvável
|
Resultado condicional
|
If she wins the lottery,
|
she'll quit her job.
|
|
When
|
Tempo esperado
|
Ação naquele momento
|
When the clock strikes five,
|
the meeting will end.
|
|
If
|
Aviso/Conselho
|
Consequência da condição
|
If you don't study,
|
you won't pass.
|
|
When
|
Evento previsível
|
Resultado da certeza
|
When the baby cries,
|
I'll feed her.
|
|
Unless
|
Condição negativa
|
Se não...
|
Unless you hurry,
|
you'll be late.
|
Espectro de formalidade
Upon your arrival, would you be so kind as to contact me? (Communication)
When you arrive, please give me a call. (Communication)
Call me when you get there. (Communication)
Hit me up when you're there. (Communication)
First Conditional: If vs When
If (Possibilidade)
- Condição (pode/não pode acontecer) If + Present Simple
- Resultado (consequência provável) will + Base Verb
When (Certeza)
- Evento (definitivamente acontece) When + Present Simple
- Resultado (ação naquele momento) will + Base Verb
Erro Comum
- Não use 'will' depois de if/when e.g., *If it rains*, not *If it will rain*
If vs When no Conditional Tipo 1
Escolhendo If ou When
Você está falando sobre um evento futuro?
O evento futuro é *certo* de acontecer?
O evento futuro é *possível*, mas não certo?
Quando Usar 'If' vs 'When'
Use 'If' para...
- • Possibilidades
- • Condições
- • Planos de Contingência
- • Avisos/Conselhos
Use 'When' para...
- • Eventos Certos
- • Tempo Esperado
- • Ações Agendadas
- • Sequência de Eventos
Fique Atento a...
- • Nada de 'will' depois de If/When
- • Vírgula depois da cláusula inicial
- • Clareza do significado
Exemplos por nível
If it is cold, I will wear a coat.
If it is cold, I will wear a coat.
When I go home, I will sleep.
When I go home, I will sleep.
If you are hungry, we will eat.
If you are hungry, we will eat.
When the bus comes, we will get on.
When the bus comes, we will get on.
If I have time, I'll call you later.
If I have time, I'll call you later.
When the movie starts, please be quiet.
When the movie starts, please be quiet.
If she doesn't arrive soon, we'll leave.
If she doesn't arrive soon, we'll leave.
I'll buy a new phone when I have enough money.
I'll buy a new phone when I have enough money.
If the weather stays like this, the crops will fail.
If the weather stays like this, the crops will fail.
When you finish the report, will you send it to me?
When you finish the report, will you send it to me?
If we don't reduce costs, we won't make a profit.
If we don't reduce costs, we won't make a profit.
As soon as I hear any news, I'll let you know.
As soon as I hear any news, I'll let you know.
If the interest rates rise, the housing market will likely cool down.
If the interest rates rise, the housing market will likely cool down.
When the results are published, we'll be able to see the impact.
When the results are published, we'll be able to see the impact.
If you happen to see Mark, will you tell him I'm looking for him?
If you happen to see Mark, will you tell him I'm looking for him?
Unless they provide more funding, the project will be cancelled.
Unless they provide more funding, the project will be cancelled.
Should the negotiations fail, the company will face bankruptcy.
Should the negotiations fail, the company will face bankruptcy.
If you will just sign here, we'll finalize the paperwork.
If you will just sign here, we'll finalize the paperwork.
When the dust finally settles, we'll see who was right.
When the dust finally settles, we'll see who was right.
If it weren't for the rain, we'd be having a great time (Mixed/First overlap).
If it weren't for the rain, we'd be having a great time.
If the minister is to resign, it will happen before the weekend.
If the minister is to resign, it will happen before the weekend.
Whensoever the opportunity arises, I shall take it.
Whensoever the opportunity arises, I shall take it.
If you would be so kind as to wait, the doctor will be with you shortly.
If you would be so kind as to wait, the doctor will be with you shortly.
Provided that the conditions are met, the merger will proceed as planned.
Provided that the conditions are met, the merger will proceed as planned.
Fácil de confundir
Both use 'if' and present tense. Learners don't know when to use 'will'.
Learners use the First Conditional for impossible things.
Learners want to use 'will' after any time word.
Erros comuns
If it will rain, I stay.
If it rains, I'll stay.
When I will see him...
When I see him...
If he go, I will go.
If he goes, I will go.
I will call you if I will arrive.
I will call you when I arrive.
If I see him I will tell him.
If I see him, I will tell him.
If it rains, I stay home.
If it rains, I will stay home.
When I'll finish, I'll call.
When I finish, I'll call.
If I would see him, I will tell him.
If I see him, I will tell him.
Unless it doesn't rain, we'll go.
Unless it rains, we'll go.
When I win the lottery, I'll buy a car.
If I win the lottery, I'll buy a car.
Padrões de frases
If I ___, I will ___.
When I ___, I'll ___.
I won't ___ unless ___.
As soon as ___, we will ___.
Real World Usage
If you're free later, let's grab a coffee.
If I am selected for this role, I will work hard to exceed expectations.
When the gate opens, we'll board the plane.
If you spend over $50, you'll get free shipping.
When the water boils, add the pasta.
If the storm continues, flights will be delayed.
Pense: 'Checagem de Probabilidade'
Nada de 'Will' Depois de If/When!
Vírgula com Cláusulas no Início
O Contexto é Rei!
When in Rome, do as the Romans do.
Smart Tips
Bite your tongue! Replace 'will' with the simple present tense immediately.
Ask yourself: 'Is there any chance this won't happen?' If yes, use 'if'.
Swap 'when' for 'as soon as'. It adds a sense of priority to your plans.
Use 'Provided that' instead of 'If' to sound more professional and precise.
Pronúncia
Contraction Stress
In the result clause, 'I'll' or 'you'll' are usually unstressed. The stress falls on the main verb.
The 'If' Rise
When the 'if' clause comes first, the voice usually rises at the comma to show the sentence isn't finished.
Conditional Rise-Fall
If you go ↗, I'll go ↘.
Standard conditional statement
Memorize
Mnemônico
If is a 'Maybe', When is a 'Date'. Both use the Present, so don't be late!
Associação visual
Imagine a fork in the road for 'If' (two possible paths). Imagine a straight train track for 'When' (the train will definitely reach the station, it's just a matter of time).
Rhyme
After 'if' or 'when', the 'will' is a sin; use the simple present to let the meaning in.
Story
A traveler is planning a trip. He says, 'When I arrive in London, I'll see the Big Ben.' (Certainty). Then he says, 'If I have enough money, I'll buy a souvenir.' (Uncertainty). He never says 'will' until he's out of the 'if/when' zone.
Word Web
Desafio
Write down 3 things you will definitely do tonight (using 'When') and 3 things you might do if you have time (using 'If').
Notas culturais
British speakers often use 'should' in the if-clause to sound more polite or to suggest a lower probability.
Americans are very likely to use 'as soon as' in place of 'when' to emphasize promptness in business contexts.
Using 'When' instead of 'If' in negotiations can be a power move to show you assume the deal will happen.
Conditionals in English evolved from Old English 'gif' (if) and 'hwanne' (when).
Iniciadores de conversa
What will you do if it rains this weekend?
When you finish your English course, how will you use your skills?
If you win a million dollars tomorrow, what's the first thing you'll buy?
What will happen to the environment if we don't change our habits?
Temas para diário
Erros comuns
Test Yourself
___ it rains tomorrow, we'll stay inside.
Escolha a frase correta:
Find and fix the mistake:
When my boss will call, I'll tell her about the new client.
Traduza para o inglês: 'Si me envías un mensaje, te responderé.'
Answer starts with: ["I...
Score: /4
Exercicios praticos
8 exercises___ I see him tomorrow, I'll give him your message. (It's possible I will see him, but not certain).
If she ___ (not/study), she will fail the exam.
Find and fix the mistake:
When I will get home, I will make dinner.
If it doesn't rain, we will have a picnic.
A: Are you coming to the party? B: I'm not sure. I'll come ___ I finish my work early.
Select the First Conditional sentence.
1. If you eat too much... 2. When the sun sets... 3. Unless you hurry...
You can use 'will' in both the 'if' clause and the 'result' clause.
Score: /8
Practice Bank
12 exercisesI'll make some coffee ___ you wake up.
If you will study, you will pass the exam.
Choose the correct sentence:
Translate into English: 'Cuando termine el trabajo, te llamaré.'
Arrange these words into a sentence:
Match the situations with the correct word:
Don't worry, I'll text you ___ I'm on my way.
If I will go to London, I'll visit the British Museum.
Choose the correct sentence:
Translate into English: 'Si hace sol, iremos de picnic.'
Arrange these words into a sentence:
Match the event type with the correct word:
Score: /12
Perguntas frequentes (8)
Yes! You can use other modal verbs in the result clause to change the meaning. `If it's sunny, we can go to the beach` (ability/permission) or `If it's sunny, we might go` (lower certainty).
In 99% of cases at B1 level, yes. However, in very formal English, 'will' can be used after 'if' to mean 'if you are willing to' (e.g., `If you will just wait here...`).
`When` is general timing. `As soon as` is immediate. `When I get home, I'll eat` vs. `As soon as I get home, I'll eat` (the second one implies you are very hungry!).
Only if the `if` or `when` clause comes first. If it's in the middle, no comma is needed. `If it rains, I'll stay.` vs `I'll stay if it rains.`
No. The First Conditional is strictly for future possibilities. For the past, you would use the Third Conditional.
That is the Zero Conditional. It means 'Every time I see him, I tell him' (a habit). The First Conditional `I'll tell him` refers to one specific time in the future.
It is neutral. It's used in both conversation and writing. It's often easier than saying 'if... not'.
If the condition is impossible or very unlikely (like winning the lottery for most people), we often switch to the Second Conditional (`If I won...`). But if you just bought a ticket, the First Conditional is fine!
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
Si + Presente / Cuando + Subjuntivo
English uses Present Simple for both 'if' and 'when', while Spanish changes the mood for 'when'.
Si + Présent / Quand + Futur
French uses the future tense after 'when', English does not.
Wenn + Präsens
German uses one word (wenn) for both possibilities and certainties.
〜たら (~tara) / 〜とき (~toki)
Japanese relies on conditional particles rather than a 'will' vs 'present' tense split.
إذا (Idha) / عندما (Indama)
Arabic often uses the past tense form to express the condition clause.
如果 (Rúguǒ) / 当...的时候 (Dāng... de shíhòu)
Chinese uses particles and word order instead of tense changes.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
Learn These First
Primeiro Condicional: Possibilidades Futuras Reais
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Condicional Zero: Verdades Gerais (If vs When)
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