Does type zero in conditionals exist?

[onegame]

Hello,

I've always learnt that type zero in conditionals is used to talk about scientific truths, but today a teacher told us that type zero doesn't exist and it's just a variation of type one.

He said: Since we consider "If+ present simple + can/may" a variation of type one then the same goes for "If + present simple + present simple"

So is type zero only a variation of type one?

[5jj]

There are several ways at looking at conditional sentences. Your teacher's is one way.

Remember that some people use the name 'zero conditionals' for real (factual) situations in the past as well as the present:

If you heat ice, it melts.
If you heat ice, it will melt.
If I didn't do my homework (when I was at school), I was beaten.
If I didn't do my homework, I would be beaten.

'First (type one) conditional' is the name frequently used for sentences referring to future possibilities:

If you drink this, you will feel better.
If we try harder, we can still win.
If you'll drive me to the station, I'll be able to catch the last train.