Grammar / Conditional Type 0, 1.

Zero Conditional

We use the so-called zero conditional when the result of the condition is always true, like a scientific fact.

Notice that we are thinking about a result that is always true for this condition. The result of the condition is an absolute certainty. We are not thinking about the future or the past, or even the present. We are thinking about a simple fact. We use the present simple tense to talk about the condition. We also use the present simple tense to talk about the result. The important thing about the zero conditional is that the condition always has the same result.

Examples:

IF	condition	result
	present simple	present simple
If	you heat ice	it melts.

IF	condition	result
	present simple	present simple
If	I miss the 8 o'clock bus	I am late for work.
If	I am late for work	my boss gets angry.
If	people don't eat	they get hungry.
If	you heat ice	does it melt?

Conditional Type 1

In a Type 1 conditional sentence, the tense in the 'if' clause is the simple present, and the tense in the main clause is the simple future

'IF' CLAUSE (CONDITION)	MAIN CLAUSE (RESULT)
If + simple present If it rains If you don't hurry	Simple future you will get wet we will miss the train.

In these sentences, the time is the present or future and the situation is real. They refer to apossible condition and its probable result. They are based on facts, and they are used to make statements about the real world, and about particular situations. We often use such sentences to give warnings:

• If you don't leave, I'll call the police.
• If you don't drop the gun, I'll shoot!
• If you drop that glass, it will break.
• Nobody will notice if you make a mistake.

• If I have time, I'll finish that letter.
• What will you do if you miss the plane?