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What's the difference between using (1) a present perfect in the if part of a simple conditional, and (2) using just a regular present tense without a perfect there?

  1. I will call you if I have done my homework.

  2. I will call you if I do my homework.

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  • Your title asks about semantics, your tags ask about syntax. How 'bout if I just give you a call once my homework's done? :)
    – tchrist
    Commented Nov 7, 2022 at 16:11
  • Hey, I might have tagged it wrong. The thing is, I need to know the difference between those two options. :)
    – Martin
    Commented Nov 7, 2022 at 16:18
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    Tell us first what you think the difference might be. Doesn't "have done" sound like the past?
    – Lambie
    Commented Nov 7, 2022 at 17:15
  • Yes, the main difference I see is that the 1st option emphasizes the finished aspect of an action. Is that correct? Are there any other significant differences?
    – Martin
    Commented Nov 7, 2022 at 17:33
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    You should indicate what you already know about this issue, including the research that you've done. People who volunteer their time on this site shouldn't be expected to do all of your work for you, and knowing what you already know will help them to provide more useful answers.
    – MarcInManhattan
    Commented Nov 8, 2022 at 1:37

2 Answers 2

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"If I have done" means that the homework is finished.

"If I do" means that the homework has been started, but not necessarily completed.

  • I'd like to join you guys tonight, but I've got a lot of homework to finish first, so I might not make it there.
    I will call you if I have done my homework, to let you know I'll be there.

  • I've got a lot of homework for this weekend.
    Rather than hanging out with you, I might work on it tonight to get most of it out of the way, so I'll have more time for you tomorrow.
    I will call you if I do my homework, to let you know I won't be there.

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The first sentence is not very natural.

It depends on what you are trying to say. If you are trying to say that you might or might not do your homework, then you could say:

"If I do my homework I will call you afterwards".

If you definitely intend to do your homework:

"I will call you when I have done my homework"

In your first construction the tenses don't really work together as it stands. Although you could say:

"I will call you if I have done my homework by 9".

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