Zero conditional

We use the zero conditional when we talk about facts or situations which are always
true.

If water reaches 100 degrees, it boils.

If you touch a fire, you get burned.

If babies are hungry, they cry

If Tom eats peanuts, he gets sick.

(This is true only for Tom, not for everyone, but it's still true that Tom gets sick every
time He eats peanuts)

The structure of a zero conditional sentence

if clause (condition) main clause (result)

If + subject + present simple, subject + present simple

If the “if clause” comes first, a comma is usually used.

If the “main clause” comes first, there is no need for a comma.

if clause main clause

If you heat ice, it melts.

main clause if clause

Ice melts if you heat it.

When + subject + present simple, subject + present simple.

The meaning will be unchanged.

when clause main clause

When I do sports, I feel relaxed.

When I get up late, I miss the bus.

if clause main clause

If I do sports, I feel relaxed.

If I get up late, I miss the bus.

The zero conditional is also often used to give instructions, using the imperative in
the main clause.

Examples:

If Bill phones, tell him to meet me at the cinema.

Ask Pete if you're not sure what to do.

If you want to come, call me before 5:00.

Meet me here if we get separated.

If it rains, I won't go to the park.

If I study today, I'll go to the party tonight.

If it doesn't rain tomorrow, we'll go to the beach.

If I have enough money, I'll buy some new shoes.

The structure of a first conditional sentence

if clause (condition) main clause (result)

If + subject + present simple, subject + will + base form of the verb

If the “if clause” comes first, a comma is usually used.

If the “main clause” comes first, there is no need for a comma.

if clause main clause

If you study hard, you will pass the test.

main clause if clause

You will pass the test if you study hard.

When + subject + present simple, subject + future simple.

if clause main clause

When I finish work, I'll call you.

Additional points

Other modal verbs can be used in place of WILL:

WILL If the weather is nice on Sunday, we'll go on a picnic.

GOING TO If I don't have to go to work tomorrow, I am going to visit my parents.

CAN If the meeting finishes early, we can go for a drink.

MIGHT If I have time this afternoon, I might wash my car.

SHOULD If they invite you, you should go.

MUST If you have any problems, you must call me.

If I won the lottery, I would buy a big house.

If I had his number, I would call him.

If I married Mary, I would be happy.

If I were you, I would drive more carefully in the rain.

The structure of a second conditional sentence

if clause (condition) main clause (result)

if + subject + simple past verb, subject + would + base form of the verb

If the “if clause” comes first, a comma is usually used.

If the “main clause” comes first, there is no need for a comma.

if clause main clause

If you studied hard, you would pass the test.

main clause if clause

You would pass the test if you studied hard.

When we use the verb ‘to be’ in the second conditional, the past form is always
WERE and not WAS for the subjects I, he, she and it.

If he were rich, he'd buy a big house.

If I were you, I wouldn't go out with that guy.

If she were an alien, she would be able to travel around the universe.

If she were a good friend, she would help you.

If it were cheaper, I would buy it.

Additional points

Other modal verbs can be used in place of WOULD:

COULD If the meeting finished early, we could go for a drink.

MIGHT If I had time this afternoon, I might wash my car.

SHOULD If they invited you, you should go.