Updated on October 17, 2025

Zero Conditional

We use the Zero Conditional to talk about things that are always true, scientific facts, rules, or routines. It describes what always happens when something else happens.

Table of Contents

Exercises

Explanation

Zero Conditional – talking about facts and rules

Structure

If-clause

Main clause

If + Present Simple

Present Simple

Example:
If you heat ice, it melts.

Both parts of the sentence use Present Simple.

More examples:

  • If you mix blue and yellow, you get green.

  • If people don’t drink water, they get thirsty.

  • If I wake up late, I miss the bus.

  • If cats are hungry, they meow.

  • If you press this button, the light turns on.

When We Use the Zero Conditional

Facts and Laws of Nature

  • If it rains, the ground gets wet.

  • If water reaches 100°C, it boils.

General Truths and Habits

  • If you study hard, you learn faster.

  • If I’m tired, I go to bed early.

Instructions or Rules

  • If the light is red, stop the car.

  • If you finish your homework, you can watch TV.

Other Words Instead of if

Word

Meaning

Example

when

every time

When I eat too much, I feel sleepy.

whenever

each time

Whenever she visits, she brings cake.

unless

if not

Unless you water plants, they die.

as soon as

immediately after

As soon as the bell rings, class starts.


In short

Use the Zero Conditional for things that are always true or happen regularly.
It talks about facts, routines, and cause and effect.

Example:
If you smile, people feel happy too.

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