The Zero Conditional – Form and Use

The zero conditional is used when a result always happens. The “if” in this conditional can usually be replaced by “when” without changing the meaning.

We can make the zero conditionals by using two present simple verb forms.

[Condition] + [Result]
[If + present simple], + [present simple].

If people work too much, they get exhausted.
When it’s winter, it snows.

Note that we can change the order of the clauses in any conditional sentence. In this case there is no comma separating the clauses.

[Result] + [Condition]
[present simple] + [If + present simple]

My wife always gets angry when I get back home late.
Our employees expect a promotion if they perform well.