When vs. If — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Fiza Rafique — Updated on May 13, 2024
"When" refers to the timing of events and is used for scenarios that are expected to occur, while "if" is used to introduce conditional situations that may or may not happen.
Difference Between When and If
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Key Differences
"When" is used to specify the time at which something will happen, assuming that it will indeed occur, such as in routine or scheduled events. On the other hand, "if" introduces a condition that is not guaranteed to happen, focusing on possibilities and hypothetical scenarios.
"When" is often used in contexts where the outcome is viewed as inevitable or planned, while "if" is used where the outcome depends on the fulfillment of a condition.
In programming or logic, "when" can be used to refer to specific conditions being met, similar to "if," but in everyday language, "when" typically relates to time-specific events.
The choice between "when" and "if" can significantly change the meaning of a sentence, indicating certainty or uncertainty.
Comparison Chart
Usage
Specifies time, assumes event will occur
Introduces a condition, possibility of event occurring
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Example
"When it rains, the ground gets wet."
"If it rains, the ground will get wet."
Context
Expected, definite scenarios
Conditional, possible scenarios
Language
Temporal connections
Hypothetical or potential situations
Certainty
High certainty of the event
Uncertainty, dependent on a condition
Compare with Definitions
When
Used to express the circumstances under which an event occurs.
When you see the green light, start walking.
If
A conjunction used to introduce a conditional clause.
If it rains, the picnic will be canceled.
When
A conjunction used to indicate the time at which something occurs.
When the clock strikes twelve, we usually have lunch.
If
Used in expressions of a request, suggestion, or requirement.
If you see Tom, tell him to call me.
When
Often pertains to habitual or certain actions.
When I visit Paris, I always go to the Louvre.
If
Can imply speculation about past or future events.
If he had studied harder, he might have passed.
When
At what time
When will we leave?.
If
In the event that
If I were to go, I would be late.
When
At the time that
In the spring, when the snow melts.
If
Granting that
If that is true, what should we do?.
When
As soon as
I'll call you when I get there.
If
On the condition that
She will play the piano only if she is paid.
When
Whenever
When the wind blows, all the doors rattle.
If
Although possibly; even though
It is a handsome if useless trinket.
When
During the time at which; while
When I was young, I was sick all the time.
If
Whether
Ask if he plans to come to the meeting.
When
Whereas; although
She stopped short when she ought to have continued.
If
Used to introduce an exclamatory clause, indicating a wish
If they had only come earlier!.
When
Considering that; if
How can he get good grades when he won't study?.
If
A possibility, condition, or stipulation
There will be no ifs, ands, or buts in this matter.
When
The time or date
Have they decided the where and when?.
If
Supposing that, assuming that, in the circumstances that; used to introduce a condition or choice.
If it rains, I shall get wet.
I'll do it next year —if at all.
When
(interrogative) At what time? At which time? Upon which occasion or circumstance? Used to introduce direct or indirect questions about time.
When will they arrive?
Do you know when they arrived?
I don't know when they arrived.
When they arrived is unknown.
If
(computing) In the event that a statement is true (a programming statement that acts in a similar manner).
If A, then B, else C.
When
At an earlier time and under different, usually less favorable, circumstances.
He's mister high and mighty now, but I remember him when.
If
Supposing that; used with past or past perfect subjunctive indicating that the condition is closed.
I would prefer it if you took your shoes off.
I would be unhappy if you had not talked with me yesterday.
If I were you, I wouldn't go there alone.
When
(relative) At which, on which, during which: often omitted or replaced with that.
That was the day when the Twin Towers fell.
If
Supposing that; given that; supposing it is the case that.
If that's true, we had better get moving!
When
(fused relative) The time at, on or during which.
I recall when they were called the Greys.
Next year is when we elect a new mayor.
If
Although; used to introduce a concession.
He was a great friend, if a little stingy at the bar.
When
A circumstance or situation in which.
Love is when you can't get enough of someone.
If
Whether; used to introduce a noun clause, an indirect question, that functions as the direct object of certain verbs.
I don't know if I want to go or not.
When
At (or as soon as) that time that; at the (or any and every) time that; if.
Pavlov's dogs salivate when [i.e. at any and every time that] they hear a bell.
Put your pencil down when [i.e. as soon as, at the moment that] the timer goes off.
A player wins when [as soon as, or at any time that, if] she has four cards of the same suit.
A student is disqualified when [as soon as, if] they cheat.
If
Even if; even in the circumstances that.
When
During the time that; at the time of the action of the following clause or participle phrase.
They dream when [i.e. during the time that] they sleep.
I'm happiest when [during the time that, or at any time that] I’m working.
It was raining when I came yesterday.
The game is over when the referee says it is.
Be careful when crossing the street.
When (you are) angry, count to ten before speaking or acting.
If
Introducing a relevance conditional.
I have leftover cake if you want some.
When
At what time; at which time.
I am here till Friday, when [i.e. at which time] I leave for Senegal.
If
(informal) An uncertainty, possibility, condition, doubt etc.
When
Since; given the fact that; considering that.
I don't see the point of putting up Christmas decorations when I am the only person who is going to see them.
If
In case that; granting, allowing, or supposing that; - introducing a condition or supposition.
Tisiphone, that oft hast heard my prayer,Assist, if Œdipus deserve thy care.
If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.
When
Whereas; although; at the same time as; in spite of the fact that.
You're picking at your scabs when you should be letting them heal.
He keeps changing things when the existing system works perfectly well.
If
Whether; - in dependent questions.
Uncertain if by augury or chance.
She doubts if two and two make four.
When
(interrogative) What time; which time.
Since when do I need your permission?
If
Indicates uncertainty or a hypothetical situation.
If I had a million dollars, I would buy a yacht.
When
The time at which something happens.
A good article will cover the who, the what, the when, the where, the why and the how.
If
Often used to form conditional sentences.
If you are not sure, ask for help.
When
That's enough: a command asking someone to stop adding something, especially an ingredient or portion of food or drink; used in, or as if in, literal response to 'Say when'.
When
(obsolete) Expressing impatience. what.}}
When
At what time; - used interrogatively.
When shall these things be?
When
At what time; at, during, or after the time that; at or just after, the moment that; - used relatively.
Kings mayTake their advantage when and how they list.
Book lore ne'er served, when trial came,Nor gifts, when faith was dead.
When
While; whereas; although; - used in the manner of a conjunction to introduce a dependent adverbial sentence or clause, having a causal, conditional, or adversative relation to the principal proposition; as, he chose to turn highwayman when he might have continued an honest man; he removed the tree when it was the best in the grounds.
When
Which time; then; - used elliptically as a noun.
I was adopted heir by his consent;Since when, his oath is broke.
Come hither; mend my ruff:Here, when! thou art such a tedious lady!
When as sacred light began to dawn.
When that mine eye is famished for a look.
When
As soon as;
Once we are home, we can rest
When
Indicates immediacy or sequence in events.
When he finished his homework, he went for a walk.
When
Refers to specific instances, mostly temporal.
Call me when you get home.
Common Curiosities
Can 'when' and 'if' be used interchangeably?
No, they cannot. "When" assumes an event will happen, whereas "if" considers that the event might happen, reflecting different levels of certainty.
How does the use of 'when' affect the tone of a sentence?
Using "when" generally gives a tone of certainty and definitiveness about the occurrence of an event.
How do 'when' and 'if' function in legal or formal contexts?
In legal or formal contexts, "when" is used to specify times related to the execution of certain actions, and "if" addresses conditions that must be fulfilled under a contract or rule.
Can 'when' be used for past events?
Yes, "when" can be used to refer to past events, typically to link occurrences or explain sequences in narratives.
Is it grammatically correct to start a sentence with 'if' or 'when'?
Yes, it is grammatically correct to start sentences with either "if" or "when," as both can introduce clauses effectively.
Are there scenarios where both 'when' and 'if' could be theoretically used?
Yes, in scenarios involving future uncertainties with a temporal aspect, such as "If/When you decide to go, let me know," where both could make sense but convey different levels of expectation.
What is the main difference between 'when' and 'if'?
"When" refers to events that are expected to occur, focusing on time, while "if" introduces conditions that may or may not be met, focusing on possibilities.
What role does 'if' play in forming conditional sentences?
"If" is crucial in forming conditional sentences, setting up a scenario where the outcome depends on whether the condition is met.
How do 'if' and 'when' compare in terms of their use in logic or programming?
In programming, both "if" and "when" can be used to check conditions; "if" is standard, while "when" might appear in certain languages as part of conditional or switch statements.
What impact does choosing either 'when' or 'if' have on the meaning of a sentence?
Choosing "when" implies that something is definitely going to happen, affecting planning and expectations, while choosing "if" introduces uncertainty and conditions, affecting decision-making.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
