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SUBLIME · Joined: 19 Dec 2005 Posts: 30

Hi, there!

I have a question. I am hoping that someone would answer it.

What is the difference between "If it is fine, I will go." and "If it will be fine, I will go."

Kristea · Posted: Tue Dec 20, 2005 5:05 am Post subject:

Hey -

The easy answer is "verb tense." But you knew that.

I might say, "If it is fine, I will go" for a situation where I am asking permission to go. (Would probably add "with you" after "fine" also.) I might say, "If it will be fine, I will go" for a situation where I need to wait on something outside of my control to determine if I will go. However, I wouldn't say this. Does that make sense?

Ultimately, neither phrase sounds natural to me. I would probably say "If it is OK, I will go."

Just my opinion - Kristi
_________________
"That man is a success who has lived well, laughed often and loved much." R.L. Stevenson

SUBLIME · Joined: 19 Dec 2005 Posts: 30

Dear Kristea,

Thank you for your quick replies. I cannot thank you enough.
I learned great new things from you.

In fact, I was writing the sentences about the weather--fine is a beautiful day.
So may I change the sentences as follows?

(1) If it rains, I will go.
(2) If it will rain, I will go.

Are there any differences between 2 sentences? Does neither phrase sound natural to you?

Kristea · Posted: Tue Dec 20, 2005 6:36 am Post subject:

"If it rains, I will go" is natural.

"If it will rain, I will go" is not natural and doesn't sound correct either. The "I will go" part already marks the phrase as future tense, so marking future tense in the opening phrase "if it will rain" is not needed.

Hope that helps - Kristi
_________________
"That man is a success who has lived well, laughed often and loved much." R.L. Stevenson

SUBLIME · Joined: 19 Dec 2005 Posts: 30

Dear Kristi,

Your explanation is great. It helped.
I really appreciate your help.

Good day!!