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Zero Conditional
Form
In zero conditional sentences, the tense in both parts of the sentence is the simple present.
As in all conditional sentences, the order of the clauses is not xed. You may have to
rearrange the pronouns and adjust punctuation when you change the order of the clauses,
but the meaning is identical. In zero conditional sentences, you can replace "if" with
"when", because both express general truths. The meaning will be unchanged.
Examples
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Function
The zero conditional is used to make statements about the real world, and often refers to
general truths, such as scienti c facts. In these sentences, the time is now or always and
the situation is real and possible.
Examples
The zero conditional is also often used to give instructions, using the imperative in the main
clause.
Examples
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