What is the zero conditional?

What is the zero conditional?

We use the zero conditional when we want to talk about facts or things that are generally true. Scientific facts are often covered by the zero conditional: "When you heat ice, it melts."

The zero conditional uses if or when and must be followed by the simple present or imperative.

For example:

"When it rains, tennis lessons are held in the gym."
"If it rains, tennis lessons are held in the gym."

"When John is out of the office, I take his calls."
"If John is out of the office, I take his calls."

It is important to remember that this condition is not realated to the past, present or future - it only applies to things which are ALWAYS true.

Now read the following sentences and decide if they are zero conditional or not:

Link: How to use IF in conditional sentences

• When you press the button, the doorbell rings.
  
  That's the zero conditional!
  No Way!
  
  
• I will give you a lift, if the weather is bad.
  
  That's the zero conditional!
  No Way!
  
  
• When you go to the park, take your ball.
  
  That's the zero conditional!
  No Way!
  
  
• If I had woken up earlier, I could have taken the bus.
  
  That's the zero conditional!
  No Way!
  
  
• When fish don't eat enough, they die.
  
  No Way!
  That's the zero conditional!
  
  
• When he buys chocolate, he buys me some too.
  
  That's the zero conditional!
  No Way!
  
  
• If you write to me, I will reply.
  
  That's the zero conditional!
  No Way!