Zero conditional: regular results, routines and instructions

The idea

The core pattern is if/when + present simple, present simple. Keep ordinary agreement: it has, she brings. Either clause can come first; normally use a comma after an initial condition. For a conditional instruction, the main clause can be an imperative: restart the tablet.

Examples

• If I skip breakfast, I get hungry before lunch.
• When the shop is closed, we leave deliveries with the neighbour.
• If this screen freezes, restart the tablet.
• The printer stops if it has no paper.
• When my sister visits, she brings her dog.
• If the library is busy, where do you study?

Watch out

Do not assume every sentence with if predicts one future event. Here the meaning is general or repeated. When treats the situation as occurring; if makes the result depend on the condition. Conditional instructions are related patterns, not proof that every result clause needs a present-tense subject.

Try it yourself

1. Choose the correct option. The printer stops if it ___ no paper. (has / have)

   Show answer or example answer

   has

   With singular it, present-simple have becomes has.

2. Choose the correct option. When my sister visits, she ___ her dog. (brings / bring)

   Show answer or example answer

   brings

   With she, use present-simple brings. The result describes a repeated routine.

3. Choose the correct option. If this screen freezes, ___ the tablet. (restart / restarts)

   Show answer or example answer

   restart

   An imperative uses base-form restart, with the listener understood as the subject.

Use it today

Describe two personal routines with conditions and one device's usual behaviour. Reverse the order of one sentence. Add an instruction beginning with If, and a question about what someone usually does under a condition.