Zero Conditional
Talk about facts & general truths.
Learn Zero →English Conditionals – Quick Guide
Conditional sentences let us talk about cause → effect. They pair an if‑clause with a main clause to express truths, possibilities, hypotheticals or regrets. Below is a snapshot of the five patterns you’ll master in this mini‑course.
| Type | Form (if‑clause ➔ main clause) | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| Zero | present simple ➔ present simple |
Facts & rules: If water boils, it turns into steam. |
| First | present simple ➔ will + base |
Real future: If it rains, we’ll cancel. |
| Second | past simple ➔ would + base |
Unreal present/future: If I won, I’d travel. |
| Third | past perfect ➔ would have + V3 |
Unreal past: If you had called, I’d have helped. |
| Mixed | Blend of 2+ forms | Past cause → present result: If I had studied, I would be calm now. |