Grammar Worksheet

Zero Conditional

A2–B1 if + present simple, present simple

Explanation

Use the zero conditional for facts, rules, and things that are generally true.

Use present simple in both parts of the sentence.

You can often use when instead of if for things that regularly happen.

Form

Clause 1	Clause 2	Meaning
If you heat ice,	it melts.	general fact
When I am tired,	I make mistakes.	regular result
If students are late,	the teacher writes their names.	rule

If can start the sentence: If it rains, the ground gets wet.

When the if-clause comes first, use a comma.

Examples

Common Mistakes

If you will heat water, it boils. → If you heat water, it boils. Use present simple after if.
If I am late, I will take a taxi. → If I am late, I take a taxi. For general habits, use zero conditional. Use first conditional for a future situation.
If people eats too much, they feel sick. → If people eat too much, they feel sick. Use correct present simple agreement.
When it rains the streets get wet. → When it rains, the streets get wet. Use a comma when the when/if clause comes first.

Exercises

1 Complete the facts

Use the present simple form of the verb.

2 Choose the correct form

Choose the best verb form.

3 Correct the mistake

Each sentence has one mistake.

4 Join the ideas

Join with if or when.

5 Class rules

Write four zero conditional sentences about school, home, or work rules.

Speaking Activity

Talk about facts and habits.

Use if or when in every answer.