ZERO CONDITIONAL
CONDITION
- If / When + present simple - Example: If it rains, the ground gets wet.
RESULT
- present simple - Example: Water boils at 100 degrees Celsius.
USE
- When the result of a condition is certain and / or inevitable - Example: If you heat ice, it melts.
- A scientific truth - Example: When you mix red and blue, you get purple.
FIRST CONDITIONAL
CONDITION
- If +present simple - Example: If it rains tomorrow, we will stay indoors.
RESULT
- will / won't + base form (or other future forms) - Example: If it snows, I won't go to work.
USE
- A real situation or event and its possible future consequences - Example: If he studies hard, he will pass the exam.
- To give warning or make promises - Example: If you don't finish your homework, you won't watch TV.
CONDITION
if OR when, unless, as soon as, before, after, until / till + present simple - Example:
- When I finish this exercise.
- Unless you give me his address,
- After we talk to her,
- Until they know all the details about the journey.
RESULT
will / won't + base form (or other future forms) - Example:
- I will reward myself with a break.
- I won't be able to send the invitation.
- I will update you on the progress.
- We won't make any reservations.