Part of the ELS Conditionals Learning Path. Start with the complete conditionals guide, or study the exact area you need below.
Form
Use if/when + present simple, present simple. Both clauses describe a result that is generally or consistently true.
When to use it
Use the zero conditional for scientific facts, rules, instructions, habits and predictable results.
Examples
If you heat ice, it melts.
When I work late, I get tired.
If people do not water plants, they die.
When I work late, I get tired.
If people do not water plants, they die.
Common mistake
Do not normally use will for a general truth: ❌ If you heat ice, it will melt. ✅ If you heat ice, it melts.
Continue the Conditionals learning path
First ConditionalMaster the first conditional for real and possible future situations.Second ConditionalUse the second conditional accurately for hypothetical, unlikely and imaginary present or future situations.Third ConditionalLearn the third conditional for unreal past situations, regrets and alternative past results.Mixed ConditionalsUnderstand mixed conditionals when the condition and result refer to different times.Unless, Provided That, As Long As & Other Alternatives to IfGo beyond if: learn unless, provided that, as long as, even if, in case and other conditional linkers.If vs WhenLearn when English uses if and when in conditional and future clauses.If I Were YouUnderstand why English often says “If I were you” and when “was” is possible.Conditional SentencesFix the conditional errors English learners make most often.Conditionals ExercisesPractise all English conditional forms with targeted questions, corrections and answers.Conditionals TestTest zero, first, second, third and mixed conditionals and identify what to study next.
Test before you move on
Use the diagnostic test to find out whether your problem is form, meaning, time reference or conditional linkers.
Take the Conditionals diagnostic →