Zero Conditional Basics

Zero conditional

A grammar pattern used for facts, general truths, and real-world results.

Form

If + present simple, present simple.

If-clause

The part that gives the condition.

Main clause

The part that gives the result.

Real-world fact

A true result that happens in real life every time the condition happens.

General truth

A statement that is always true.

Scientific fact

A fact used to describe natural or scientific results.

Word order

The if-clause can come first or second.

Comma rule

Use a comma after the if-clause when it comes first.

Example sentence

If you heat ice, it melts.

Condition

The situation that must happen first.

Result

What happens because of the condition.

Present simple

The tense used in both parts for this pattern.

Habit

A repeated action that happens regularly.

Cause and effect

One thing leads directly to another.

Truth statement

A sentence that says something is always true.

Routine action

An action done again and again in daily life.

Time connector

A linking word that shows one event happens before another.

Immediate result

An outcome that happens right away.

Everyday use

Language used for normal life, not special situations.

When both parts use the same tense

This grammar pattern uses the same tense in both parts of the sentence.

Simple present in both parts

Use simple present in each part when talking about facts or regular patterns.

If + present, present

A common pattern is an if-clause with present tense and a main clause with present tense.

When + present, present

You can use 'when' instead of 'if' to show a repeated or predictable situation.

Unless

This word means 'except if' and can replace a negative if idea.

Imperative in the second part

The second part can give an instruction instead of a statement.

Question in the second part

The second part can be a question when asking what to do or what happens.

No future tense

Do not use 'will' in the first part of this pattern.

No past tense

Do not use past tense when the sentence is about facts or regular patterns.

Every time meaning

This pattern often shows that one thing happens whenever another thing happens.

Use for facts

Use this structure to talk about things that are always true.

Use for rules

Use it to explain rules, instructions, or fixed patterns.

Use for science

Use it to describe scientific relationships and natural processes.

Both verbs match

The verb in each part stays in the same simple tense.

No future meaning

Do not use this structure for future plans or predictions.

No past meaning

Do not use this structure for finished past events.

Common with 'if'

It often starts with 'if' to show a situation and what happens.

Common with 'when'

It can also use 'when' to show a repeated or fixed situation.

Short warning

Do not mix this structure with a future form.

Memory tip

Think of it as a sentence for always-true situations.

Fact pattern

A sentence pattern used to talk about things that are always true in a certain situation.

If + present simple

The first part uses a present-tense verb after if.

Present simple in both parts

Both halves use the same present-tense verb style.

Comma before the second part

Use a comma when the sentence starts with the if-part.

No comma after the second part

Do not use a comma when the sentence starts with the second part.

If-clause first

The sentence can begin with the condition part.

Main clause first

The sentence can begin with the outcome part.

Scientific use

Used for facts that can be tested or observed in nature.

Instruction use

Used to explain what happens in a clear rule or procedure.

Always true relationship

Used when one situation consistently leads to the same outcome.