Why “If It Will Rain” Is Wrong on TOEIC

Some English sentences sound completely normal in conversation — but TOEIC still marks them wrong. One of the most common places this happens? If-sentences.

Let’s look at a simple example:

❌ If it will rain, we will cancel the event.
✅ If it rains, we will cancel the event.

The meaning is clear in both. But on TOEIC, the first one is wrong. Why?

What’s the Problem?

TOEIC isn’t just testing what sounds okay. It’s checking whether you know the standard sentence structures used in formal, professional English — especially in business writing.

When talking about the future, English usually avoids “will” after “if.” Instead, we use a present tense verb, even when we’re clearly talking about the future.

That’s why TOEIC marks this wrong:

❌ If it will rain, we will cancel.
✅ If it rains, we will cancel. ← This is the expected form

The word “if” already shows we’re talking about something that might happen. Adding “will” makes the sentence feel off — especially in writing.

Another Trap: “Would Have” + “Would Have”

Another mistake TOEIC loves to test looks like this:

❌ If I would have known, I would have helped.
✅ If I had known, I would have helped.

Again, the meaning is totally clear — but the form is wrong. TOEIC expects “If I had known,” not “If I would have known.”

You’ll see this type of structure in job interviews, formal emails, and test questions.

So what’s the real skill here?

🧠 Can you match the form TOEIC expects — even if it’s different from casual English?

Key Idea: TOEIC Tests Form, Not Just Meaning

You’re not being tested on creativity. You’re being tested on how you say something — not just what you mean.

TOEIC traps often come from sentences that are fine in speech, but don’t follow the expected business-English patterns.

Try These TOEIC-Style Questions

1.
If the flight ___ late, we’ll reschedule the meeting.

(A) will be
(B) is
(C) would be
(D) had been

✅ Correct answer: (B) — “If” + present tense is the standard form for future plans.

2.
If I ___ your number, I would have called.

(A) would have known
(B) had known
(C) know
(D) will know

✅ Correct answer: (B) — TOEIC expects “had known,” not “would have known.”

Final Tip

When you see “if” on the TOEIC test:

  • Don’t guess based on feeling.

  • Don’t trust what sounds okay in speech.

  • Ask: “What form does TOEIC expect here?”

✅ “If it rains, we’ll cancel.”
❌ “If it will rain, we’ll cancel.”

Stick to that logic, and you’ll avoid one of the test’s sneakiest traps.

FAQ – English (with answers) Q: Why is “If it will rain” wrong on TOEIC? A: TOEIC expects you to say “If it rains.” The word “if” already shows it’s about the future, so “will” is not used. Q: Can I say “If it will happen” in TOEIC writing? A: No. Say “If it happens.” TOEIC prefers the simple form after “if,” even for future ideas. Q: Why does TOEIC mark “If I would have known” as incorrect? A: TOEIC wants “If I had known.” The double “would have” structure is not accepted in formal English. Q: What is the right way to say “If I knew, I would…” on the test? A: That’s correct for an imaginary situation. TOEIC accepts “If I knew, I would help.” Q: Can I use “will” after “if” in any TOEIC sentence? A: Almost never. TOEIC expects you to use the simple form after “if,” not “will.” Q: I said “If he will call, I’ll answer.” Why is that wrong? A: TOEIC expects “If he calls, I’ll answer.” Just use present tense after “if.” Q: What’s wrong with “If I would know, I’d tell you”? A: TOEIC expects “If I knew, I’d tell you.” The correct form is “knew,” not “would know.” Q: Why do I see “If I had known…” on the TOEIC test? A: It shows something you regret from the past. TOEIC uses this to test precise sentence structure. Q: Can I use “If I will…” when talking about the future? A: Not after “if.” Just say “If I go,” “If I call,” etc. TOEIC sees “If I will…” as incorrect. Q: Is “If it rains, I will cancel” okay on the test? A: Yes. This is the expected TOEIC pattern — “if” + present tense, then “will.” Q: Why does TOEIC test if-sentences so much? A: Because many people use the wrong form when talking about the future or imaginary situations. It’s an easy trap. Q: How can I know if an if-sentence is wrong? A: Check if there’s a “will” right after “if.” If yes, it’s usually wrong. Q: I always say “If he would come.” Is that okay on TOEIC? A: TOEIC wants “If he came” or “If he had come.” “Would come” is not used after “if.” Q: Why is “If I had knew” wrong? A: “Knew” is past. TOEIC expects “had known” — the correct form for past regret. Q: Can I say “If you will be free, let me know”? A: For TOEIC, say “If you are free, let me know.” Keep it simple. Q: What’s the rule for if-sentences on TOEIC? A: Don’t think about rules. Think: “Does this sound like a formal sentence a manager would write?” Q: Why is “If I know it, I will help” okay, but “If I will know it” is not? A: Because TOEIC expects present tense after “if.” “Will know” sounds wrong in that spot. Q: When is “If I had” correct on the test? A: When talking about the past and what didn’t happen. Example: “If I had time, I would have joined.” Q: Why is “If I would’ve…” wrong even though I hear it a lot? A: Casual speech is different. TOEIC wants “If I had…” — especially in formal or business settings. Q: I always get confused by “if” sentences — how can I stop making mistakes? A: Focus on meaning. If it’s about the future, use present tense. If it’s about the past, use “had.” Don’t guess based on how it sounds.