Pattern: If + Present Simple → Present Simple. We use it for general truths, facts, habits, rules, and instructions.
How it’s formed
- Condition (if‑clause): Present Simple — If water reaches100°C
- Main clause (result): Present Simple — it boils
If water reaches100°C, it boils.
If water reaches100°C, it boils.
Clause order
You can swap the two parts. If the if‑clause comes first, use a comma.
If you heat ice, it melts.
It melts if you heat ice.
Negation and questions
- Negation: If he doesn’t call, he gets worried.
- Question: What happens if it rains?
Other ways we use it
- With time conjunctions: when, whenever, unless.
- For instructions: the result can be imperative — If you see an error, report it.
- For laws of nature, schedules, and routines.
Common mistakes
| ❌ If it will rain, the ground gets wet. | ✅ If it rains, the ground gets wet. |
| ❌ If you heat ice, it will melt. | ✅ If you heat ice, it melts. |
| ❌ Comma always: It melts, if you heat ice. | ✅ Comma only if the if‑clause comes first. |
More examples
If I am late, my boss gets angry.
If I am late, my boss gets angry.
If you press this button, the app opens.
If you press this button, the app opens.
If it rains, people usually take umbrellas.
If it rains, people usually take umbrellas.
If plants don’t get light, they don’t grow.
If plants don’t get light, they don’t grow.
Structure: If + Present Simple → Present Simple
Facts, general truths, instructions, routine
No will in either clause