VocabNoteZero Conditional
The Zero Conditional describes things that are always or generally true: facts, scientific rules and habits. Whenever the condition happens, the result follows. Both clauses use the present simple: If + present simple, present simple. 'If' can usually be replaced by 'when' without changing the meaning.
WHEN TO USE
Use it for general truths, scientific facts, rules, instructions and personal habits: situations where the result happens every time, not just once. For one specific possible situation in the future, use the first conditional instead.
STRUCTURE
If+present simple, present simpleIf you heat ice, it melts.
If+present simple, S+don't / doesn't+base verbIf I drink coffee at night, I don't sleep well.
What happens if+present simple?What happens if you press this button?
If+present simple, imperative (instructions)If the alarm rings, leave the building.
SIGNAL WORDS
- if
- when
- whenever
- unless
- always
- every time
EXAMPLES
If you mix red and blue, you get purple.
Water boils if you heat it to 100°C.
When I feel stressed, I go for a walk.
Plants die if they don't get enough light.
If it rains, the streets get wet.
COMMON MISTAKES
If you will heat ice, it melts.
If you heat ice, it melts.
Don't use 'will' in the if-clause: use the present simple
If water reach 100°C, it boils.
If water reaches 100°C, it boils.
The present simple still needs -s with he/she/it: water reaches
If I drank coffee at night, I don't sleep well.
If I drink coffee at night, I don't sleep well.
Both clauses use the present simple. A past form in the if-clause belongs to the second conditional
Tip
Swap 'if' for 'when'. If the sentence still means the same (When you heat ice, it melts), it's a zero conditional. If it only works with 'if' because it may not happen (If it rains tomorrow…), you need the first conditional.