if will

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atabitaraf

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1. James, if you’ll pardon me, you’ve got it all wrong.
2. It was a bit of a cock-up, if you’ll pardon the expression.

When I saw these sentences I wondered if I learned a grammar point wrong! It says in 'if clauses' and 'time clauses' we do not use 'will'

Would you please correct the rule for me? Thanks,
 

5jj

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When 'will' expresses the idea of certainty about the future, it is highly unlikely in an if- clause suggesting possibility. You cannot combine certainty and possibility (=lack of certainty).

XI will be surprised if it will rain tomorrow.

When 'will' expresses some idea of willingness, there is no restriction.

If you will come with me, I will take you to Mr Postule's office.

When 'if' has a similar meaning to 'whether', there is no restriction.

Do you know if he will be there tomorrow?
 
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