Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[SUBLIME]

Hi, everyone!!

(1) Before I forget, I will tell you the truth.
(2) Before I will forget, I will tell you the truth.

May I use (2)? If not, why I cannot say this?

[Lorikeet]

[SUBLIME]

Hi, Lorikeet,

Thank you very much. I appreciate it.

May I have another question? You wrote "except in special cases," so would you give me some examples in special cases.

[Lorikeet]

Oh, I was afraid you ask that! I know the "rule" says you can't, but while I was answering I thought of a situation where it would sound "possible" to me, but maybe not to everyone. It might even be "wrong" but possible in informal conversation. I don't think I use it, but it didn't sound as wrong as it usually does.

I was thinking of a situation in which two people were talking. One of them says, "I'm going to buy that new computer." The other says, "Really? I thought I heard that computer stops working after a year." The first one replies, "Well, I have to do some more research before I will decide whether or not to buy it." Maybe this "will" has more of a meaning of "volition" (Making a conscious choice to do something.)

Well, I think I'm making it worse than it should be. Even native speaker ESL teachers don't have all the answers. I had to think hard to find an example that "might" sound okay to me. I teach my students not to use "will" with if clauses or time clauses. That's a good enough rule to get you through all kinds of tests and any sentences. But we native speakers aren't perfect, so we don't always follow the rules.

[SUBLIME]

Dear Lorikeet,

Thank you again for your help. You helped me understand fully. I understood the difference.

I mean, you wrote what I have wanted for the question.

Have a great day!!