Zero Conditional Sentences
Zero conditional sentences express general truths—situations in which one thing always causes another. They are about a general truth rather than a specific instance of something.
Example: If public transport is efficient, people stop using their cars. — Если общественный транспорт эффективно работает, люди перестают ездить на автомобилях.
The correct tense to use in both clauses is the present simple tense. A common mistake is to use the future simple tense.
Example: If you mix red and blue, you get purple. (Incorrect: will get) — Если смешать красный с синим, вы получите лиловый.
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.
