English grammar
When + present simple (not will) for the future
Talk about what will happen once something happens.
From the scene When you arrive
In short
After when about the future, use the present simple, not will: when we arrive. The other half can use will.
Your turn
Which one goes with NOT "when you will see"?
Options: when you see · when we arrive · when we're hungry
Show answer
NOT "when you will see" → when you see
How it works
After when talking about the future, English uses the present simple (the normal present tense), not will.
Your turn
Pick the word that fits the line.
When we (blank) to the wedding, you’re going to be amazed.
Options: got · get · will get
Show answer
When we get to the wedding, you’re going to be amazed.
Cuando lleguemos a la boda, vas a alucinar.
Good to know
When we arrive (not when we will arrive), when you see (not when you will see).
Your turn
Pick the word that fits the line.
When (blank) there, I’ll buy a packet of tissues.
Options: we were · we’re · we will be
Show answer
When we’re there, I’ll buy a packet of tissues.
Cuando estemos allí, compro un paquete de pañuelos.
Good to know
The other part of the sentence can use will, going to, or the present simple.
NOT "when we will arrive" when we arrive
NOT "when you will see" when you see
Nuria
When you see the cake, you’ll understand.
Cuando veas la tarta, lo vas a entender.
Your turn
What fills the gap?
(blank) the cake, you’ll understand.
Options: When you see · When we arrive · When we're hungry
Show answer
Nuria
When you see the cake, you’ll understand.
Cuando veas la tarta, lo vas a entender.
NOT "when we will be hungry" when we're hungry
a habit, so the normal present tense when Tomás cries
Nuria
Careful... when Tomás cries, he really cries a lot.
Ojo... cuando llora Tomás, llora muchísimo.
Your turn
What fills the gap?
Careful... (blank), he really cries a lot.
Options: when you see · when Tomás cries · when we arrive
Show answer
Nuria
Careful... when Tomás cries, he really cries a lot.
Ojo... cuando llora Tomás, llora muchísimo.
Common mistake
Not we will be or we were here. Future meaning, present tense.
When we’re hungry, we’ll eat tacos.
Cuando tengamos hambre, comemos tacos.
Practise it in the story
Meet this rule inside a short animated scene. Answer as it plays, then say the lines yourself.
Practise free in the appSee all forms
| NOT "when we will arrive" | when we arrive |
|---|---|
| NOT "when you will see" | when you see |
| NOT "when we will be hungry" | when we're hungry |
| a habit, so the normal present tense | when Tomás cries |
More lines from the story
- NuriaWhen we get to the wedding, you’re going to be amazed.Cuando lleguemos a la boda, vas a alucinar.
- NuriaWhen we’re hungry, we’ll eat tacos.Cuando tengamos hambre, comemos tacos.
- JaviWhen we’re there, I’ll buy a packet of tissues.Cuando estemos allí, compro un paquete de pañuelos.
- JaviThen when we get there, I’ll buy myself an umbrella.Entonces cuando lleguemos, me compro un paraguas.