Zero Conditional helps you communicate about facts, routines and results that are generally true. Start with the meaning, notice the pattern, and then use it in complete sentences.
By the end of this lesson, you can
- I can describe general results, rules and facts with the zero conditional.
- Recognise and build the form: if/when + present simple, present simple.
- Use the pattern accurately in a meaningful sentence.
Meaning and use
Use Zero Conditional for facts, routines and results that are generally true. Always read the whole situation before choosing the form: grammar expresses a meaning, not only a pattern.
If you heat ice, it melts.
The zero conditional uses the present simple for a general scientific result.
Plants die if they don't get enough water.
Use the present simple in both clauses for a general truth.
When I drink coffee late, I sleep badly.
The zero conditional can describe a repeated personal result.
if/when + present simple, present simpleKeep this pattern visible while you study the examples. Then cover it and rebuild one example from memory.
Key rules to notice
These rules explain why the form is correct. Focus on the subject, auxiliary, verb form, word order and time or meaning clues.
- The zero conditional uses the present simple for a general scientific result.
- Use the present simple in both clauses for a general truth.
- The zero conditional can describe a repeated personal result.
- Use the present simple after 'if' for a generally true condition.
- The zero conditional states the regular result of mixing colours.
Common mistakes
Not:If you heat ice, it will melt.
Use:If you heat ice, it melts.
The zero conditional uses the present simple for a general scientific result.
Not:Plants die if they won't get enough water.
Use:Plants die if they don't get enough water.
Use the present simple in both clauses for a general truth.
Not:When I drink coffee late, I will sleep badly.
Use:When I drink coffee late, I sleep badly.
The zero conditional can describe a repeated personal result.
Check before you practise
Complete each sentence mentally, then reveal the answer.
If the temperature ____ below zero, water freezes.
falls
Use the present simple after 'if' for a generally true condition.
You get purple if you ____ red and blue.
mix
The zero conditional states the regular result of mixing colours.
If people ____ regularly, they usually feel better.
exercise
Use present simple forms for a general cause-and-effect relationship.