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Originally Posted by X Mode Those things are true only if they have happened. A zero conditional can be true even if something doesn't actually happen. So, I still say a zero conditional requires the simple present in order to express a universal truth.
If A happens, then B happens. This is true even if it has never happened, and even if it will never happen. |
1. If you heat water to 100C, it boils.
2. If Joe's late, he's stuck in traffic.
3. If a large vessel has opened a way, it is easy for a small one to follow.
So #2 is true, even if Joe has never been late, and never will be late?
MrP