Zero and Type 1 Conditional

                                  Usage                           If clause                         Main clause

ZERO                      General Truths                   Simple Present                        Simple present

Type 1     Possible Condition; Probable Result  Simple Present                   Simple Future

ZERO CONDITIONAL

We use the zero conditional when talking about a real and possible situation that is now or always. It is also often used to talk about general truths. Simple present tense is used in both the if and and main clause. In a zero conditional sentence, “if” and “when” can be used interchangeably without changing the meaning of the sentence.

Examples:

If clause                                                            Main Clause

If you sneeze                                                  you blink your eyes.

If it snows                                                        it gets really cold.

If it’s sunny                                                      she doesn’t like going out.

TYPE 1 CONDITIONAL

We use type 1 conditional to talk about a real situation in the present or future. It is used talk about a possible condition and its probable result. In a Type 1 conditional sentence, simple present is used in the if clause, and simple future in the main clause.

Examples:

If clause                                                            Main Clause

If you don’t study,                                           you will fail the exam.

If you don’t bring your umbrella,                 you won’t have something to use later.

If the sun shines,                                             she will leave her clothes outside to dry.