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Ppman
Why is the sentence wrong? Do you mind if I will close the door? Why can;t I use "will?" Thanks

Answers · 9

4
It's wrong because it breaks a basic grammar rule: We don't use the 'will' future in a future time clause starting with 'if'. This question is a standard conditional construction. There are two options: 1. The more direct option, using a zero or Type 0 conditional [present tense] + [if + present tense] "Do you mind if I open the door?" 2. The more tentative option, using a Type 2 conditional [would + base form] + [if + past/subjunctive] "Would you mind if I opened the door?" It's a simple formula, and you have to follow the correct sequence of tenses.
2
"If" iindicates a hypothetical situation, it could happen, or it could not. "will" indicates something that hasn't happened yet, but will. They seem to contradict each other, and it sounds strange.
1
Languages don't always have an answer to why things are done the way they are. This is from the online Cambridge dictionary: "When we ask for permission politely, we can use "would you mind if I + past" or "do you mind if I + present": Would you mind if I turned on this light? Do you mind if I sit here?"
1
If you will use it there, it's grammatically correct; but then again your interlocutor would feel uncomfortable.

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