In 'zero' conditional sentences, the tense in
both parts of the sentence is the simple present:
|
'IF' CLAUSE
(CONDITION)
|
MAIN CLAUSE
(RESULT)
|
|
If + simple present
If you heat ice
If
it rains |
simple present
it melts.
you get
wet |
NOTE: The order of the clauses is not fixed - the 'if'
clause can be first or second:
-
Ice melts if you heat
it.
-
You get wet if it
rains.
In these sentences, the time is now or
always and the situation is real and possible. They are
used to make statements about the real world, and often refer to general
truths, such as scientific facts.
Examples:
a. If you freeze water, it
becomes a
solid.
b. Plants die if they
don't
get enough water.
c. If my husband
has a
cold, I usually catch it.
d. If public transport is efficient, people
stop using
their cars.
e. If you mix red and blue, you
get
purple.
The structure below is often used to give instructions,
using the imperative in the main clause:
