IF Vs When in GMAT SC
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06 Jul 2015, 13:50
Hi Friends
This is a document which I prepared while Preparing for the GMAT.
It may be helpful to everyone here -
We all know that if and when can be used interchangeably in Conditional Statements. But, not always ! Let's see when they can and when they cannot.
Case 1: When If and When can be used interchangeably
This is possible when we present conditions that are definite or the outcome is a fact.
Example 1 – A general fact
If/When you heat water, it evaporates. – CORRECT
Example 2 – We know based on past experience that Tom loses weight when he exercises.
Considering his past successes in losing weight, Tom knows that if/when he exercises, he loses weight. – CORRECT
Case 2: When you cannot use 'when' in place of 'if'
When ‘if’ conditional statement is used to express a situation in which the outcome is a possibility and not a certainty
Example - Possibility of going to fair
Morgans may go to the fair, if the weather is bright and sunny. – CORRECT
Morgans may go to the fair, when the weather is bright and sunny. – INCORRECT
You'll have to identify the tone of the statement so as to ascertain if the mentioned case is a possibility.
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To add to this, this is a short note by Ron on when NOT to use 'when'
1/ something is NOT an event that occurs at a specific point in time.
If you are a woman, the older executives may not speak to you as honestly as they will to men.
("When you are a woman" is nonsense, unless someone has the ability to change back and forth between sexes.)
2/ the consequence doesn't occur at the time of the conditional part.
If you smoke cigarettes, you will die of cancer.
"When you smoke cigarettes" doesn't work here, since you won't die when you smoke the cigarettes"”you'll die decades later.
If the time relationship is appropriate, though, "when" is more descriptive than "if", because it's more precise.
E.g., 1. When you return the goods, you'll receive a refund.
"”> You'll receive your refund at the time when you return the goods"”i.e., not later.
2. If you return the goods, you'll receive a refund.
"”> This sentence is more vague about the timeline. You might get the refund when you actually return the goods"”but you might get it much later.
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