The Zero Conditional - English Grammar - English with George

The Zero Conditional

Usage

The zero conditional is often used:

Make statements about the real world
Refer to general truths
Scientific facts
To give instructions

The Structure

If you start with the if clause then you need to separate it from the main clause with a comma.

If Clause	Comma	Main Clause
If + Present Simple	,	Present Simple

If you start the sentence with the main clause you must not separate it from the If clause with a comma.

Main Clause	If Clause
Present Simple	If + Present Simple

Examples:

If Clause	Comma	Main Clause
*If + Present Simple*	,	*Present Simple*
If this happens	,	that thing happens.
If you heat ice	,	it melts

Main Clause	If Clause
*Present Simple*	*if + Present Simple*
That thing happens	if this happens.
Ice melts	if you heat it.
The grass gets wet	if it rains

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The Conditionals

English Grammar

The Conditionals