Grammar: Zero Conditional
A2 Lesson 18: Talking About Facts & General Truths
What is the Zero Conditional?
A conditional sentence has two parts: the condition (the 'if' part) and the result. The Zero Conditional is used when the result of a condition is always true. Think of it as 100% certainty: If this happens, that always happens.
Things that are always true in science.
Example: If you heat ice, it melts.
Rules or situations that are always true in the world.
Example: If you don't have a ticket, you can't enter Angkor Wat.
Things that are always true for you personally.
Example: If I drink too much coffee, I don't sleep well.
The Grammar Rule 📖
The Structure: A Simple Formula
The Zero Conditional is easy because both parts of the sentence use the Present Simple tense.
| Order | Structure & Example |
|---|---|
| 'If' clause first | If + Condition (Present Simple), Result (Present Simple). Example: If it rains heavily, the streets get flooded. |
| Result clause first | Result (Present Simple) if + Condition (Present Simple). Example: The streets get flooded if it rains heavily. |
Punctuation Tip: You must use a comma (,) when the 'if' clause comes first. You do not use a comma when the result clause comes first.
Using 'When' instead of 'If'
For the Zero Conditional, because the result is always true, you can usually replace 'if' with 'when' and the meaning is the same.
Example: When you heat ice, it melts. (Same meaning as 'if')
Practice Your Grammar 🎯
Exercise: Match the Clauses
Match the condition with the logical result to make a Zero Conditional sentence.
Conditions:
- If you don't water plants,...
- If you touch a fire,...
- If I miss the bus,...
Results:
- A. ...you get burned.
- B. ...I am late for work.
- C. ...they die.
Answers: 1-C, 2-A, 3-B
Your Grammar Mission ⭐
Write Your Own Truths
Complete these Zero Conditional sentences with a logical result that is true for you or the world.
- If you don't eat, _________________________________.
- If you mix the colors red and blue, _____________________.
- Plants die if ____________________________________.
Key Vocabulary
- Conditional A type of sentence that expresses a condition, usually starting with 'if'.
- Condition The situation that must happen for the result to happen.
- Result The consequence or outcome of the condition.