How to Use Zero Conditional Sentences
Zero conditional sentences express general truths—situations in which one thing always causes another. When you use a zero conditional, you’re talking about a general truth rather than a specific instance of something. Consider the following examples:
Example: If you don’t brush your teeth, you get cavities.- Если ты не чистишь зубы, у тебя появится кариес.
Example: When people smoke cigarettes, their health suffers.- Когда люди курят сигареты, их здоровье страдает.
There are a couple of things to take note of in the above sentences in which the zero conditional is used. First, when using the zero conditional, the correct tense to use in both clauses is the simple present tense. A common mistake is to use the simple future tense.
Incorrect: When people smoke cigarettes, their health will suffer.- Когда люди курят сигареты, их здоровье будет страдать.
Secondly, notice that the words if and when can be used interchangeably in these zero conditional sentences. This is because the outcome will always be the same, so it doesn’t matter “if” or “when” it happens.
