Learn English – future or present with when

grammar

I just would like to know if this sentence would be grammatically correct and in which cases should I use it:

I don't know when he is back instead of he will be back . I know the rule with when "no will" in most cases but we can say" please let me know when it will be available or when it is available"

If that's not correct let me know why please

Best Answer

The rule you are referring to ("no will" with when) only applies in those sentences in which when introduces a time clause, e.g.:

*Give me a call when you will get my message.

Give me a call when you get my message.

In your example, when introduces a sort of reported speech, it is not a time clause. It is as if it were derived from direct speech along the lines of:

"When will he be back?" - "I don't know"

Therefore, it is correct to join the two sentences as:

I don't know when he will be back.

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