Could you tell me if there is any difference in meaning between what happens when/if... and what will happen when/if... For example:
What happens if you lose your job? Do you have a plan?
What will happen if you lose your job? Do you have a plan?
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Dmytro O'Hope
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1Does this answer your question? "While" and "When" phrases in the future tense. In such context, *if* refers to "[possible] future" just as much as *while / when*. – FumbleFingers Sep 19 '20 at 12:46
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We tend to use the present tense when we talk about universal situations.
What happens when you drop a lighted match into a can of petrol?
What happens if/when you mix oil and water?
We use the future more when talking about a particular situation.
What will happen if we don't arrive at the airport in good time?
What will happen if our application for a visa is refused?
In many contexts, including your examples, both are possible.
Ronald Sole
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