The Zero Conditional
If + present simple, … present simple
We use the zero conditional to talk about:
- Real life situations
- True statements
- Scientific facts
The zero conditional is made by using the present simple in the “if clause” which indicates the condition and the “main clause” which indicates the result. The result of the condition will always be true.
Let’s take a look at a few examples.
If you take a shower, you get wet.
This is a true statement. You can’t take a shower without getting wet.
You can also change the order of the sentence.
You get wet if you take a shower.
*Grammar Tip
You only use a comma when you begin the sentence with the if clause.
More examples:
- If you heat water at 100 degrees, it boils.
- I don’t sleep at night if I drink coffee too late.
- If you eat too much, you gain weight.
You can replace when with if.
- When you drink water, you get dehydrated.