Zero conditional
There is another conditional which is often called zero conditional.
FORM
if + present simple
If you press the button,
If you go in the best seats,
or present simple
The machine switches off
You get a free drink
present simple
the machine switches off.
you get a free drink.
if + present simple
if you press this button.
if you go in the best seats.
USE
•
If has the same meaning as
when here.
The zero conditional is used:
a) for instructions:
If you select reverse gear, the car goes backwards.
If the camera is on, a red light appears.
b) for general truths:
if he's got no money, he doesn't go oat.
lie always says hello if he sees you.
Practice
Put the verbs into the correct tense.
1 Water (freeze) if the temperature falls below zero.
Water freezes if the temperature falls below zero,
2 If he's angry, his face always (go) bright red.
3 If you put your money in a savings account, you (get) ten per cent interest.
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