Metkagram · Russian → English transfer · XPRRTR007

If I see..., not If I will see...

Common transfer form

✕ If we will find the cause, we will fix it.

Target English frame

✓ If we find the cause, we will fix it.

Why the error happens

In the ordinary first conditional, future time in the if-clause is normally expressed with Present Simple. Will stays in the result clause. Special uses of will in if-clauses exist, but they express meanings such as willingness rather than simple futurity.

What to remember

If + present, will + base verb.

❌ If [X] will happen, [Y] will happen. → ✓ If [X] happens, [Y] will happen.

More examples

  • ❌ If the test will fail, we will stop the release. → ✓ If the test fails, we will stop the release.Если тест провалится, мы остановим релиз.
  • ❌ If she will confirm today, we can proceed. → ✓ If she confirms today, we can proceed.Если она подтвердит сегодня, мы сможем продолжить.
  • ❌ When the file will arrive, I will check it. → ✓ When the file arrives, I will check it.Когда файл придёт, я его проверю.

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