Form the zero conditional with the present simple in both clauses, as in if you heat water, it boils, to talk about general truths and things that always happen. Will is never used in the zero conditional, because the result is a fact, not a future possibility.
Grammar Rule
Both clauses use the present simple; will is never used, because we’re talking about something that always happens.
Zero Conditional: Rules and Examples
| Clause | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
| If/When clause | If/When + present simple | If you heat water… When the sun goes down… |
| Result clause | present simple | …it boils. …it gets dark. If you mix blue and yellow, you get green. |
Remember: both clauses are in the present simple; the zero conditional never uses will.
Practice Test
Instructions
Answer each question in the test below forming the correct zero conditional sentence. You will get a new random set of questions every time you retake the test, plus a downloadable results summary with your name and score at the end.
Zero Conditional
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do you form the zero conditional?
Use the present simple in both the if or when clause and the result clause, as in if you heat water, it boils.
When do you use the zero conditional?
Use it to talk about general truths, scientific facts, and things that always happen under the same condition, such as if you mix blue and yellow, you get green.
Is will ever used in the zero conditional?
No, will is never used because the result is a fact that always happens, not a future possibility that depends on the condition.
Can you use when instead of if in the zero conditional?
Yes, when and if are often interchangeable in the zero conditional, as in when the sun goes down, it gets dark.