Zero and first conditional

We use zero conditionals to talk about something which is always true or always happens as a result of something else.

We use if + present simple, and the present simple in the other clause.

You can also use the present continuous or present perfect in either clause.

Examples:

You need to do some exercise every day if you want to be fit.

If people are wearing headphones in the street, they often don't notice other people.

If you haven't been to New York, you haven't lived.

We use first conditional to talk about something which will probably  happen in the future as a result of something else.

We use If + present simple tense, and a future tense in the other clause.

You can use any present form in the If-clause (present simple, continuous or perfect) and any future form (will, going to, future perfect, future continuous) or an imperative in the other clause.

Examples:

Future time clauses are similar to the if-clause in first conditional sentences, but instead of if, we use expressions like:

• as soon as

• when

• until

• unless

• before

• after

• incase

followed by a present (not a future) tense.

This can be any present form, e.g.

present simple

present continuous

present perfect

We can use any future form or imperative in the other clause.