Learn English – Using “will” after “if”

conditionalsdeontic-vs-epistemicfuturemodal-verbstenses

I've been told that native-speakers don't ever use "will" after "if", and that saying it this way is a not-native style.

So from the film (Harry Potter, pt5) I noticed a line that confused me. Look at this:

"Well, if you won't tell her where it is, I will". See that?

What was the necessity of using the future form? What does it add in the meaning? How does it sound to you? Why was namely this sentence used instead of "Well, if you don't tell her where it is, I will"?

Best Answer

The rule you have been told has some validity, but is too general.

English speakers don't use a will with simple future meaning after if:

If the plan succeeds, I will come.

not

*If the plan will succeed, I will come.

But will can also convey intention or willingness, so with an animate subject (especially second person) will can work

If you will come, I will talk to you

meaning something like if you are willing to come.

So

If you jump, I'll catch you.

is normal, as is

If you fall, I'll catch you.

But while

*If you will fall, I'll catch you.

doesn't make sense,

If you will jump, I'll catch you.

can make sense, with the special meaning of if you are willing to jump - it's an invitation, or a dare.

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