What is the Zero Conditional?

The zero conditional is a type of conditional sentence used to express general truths, scientific facts, or situations that are always true when specific conditions are met.

• Structure:
  If + present simple, present simple

When Should It Be Used?

Use the zero conditional for:

1. Universal Truths: Statements that are always valid.
   • Example: If water reaches 100°C, it boils.
2. Scientific Facts: Laws of nature or scientific principles.
   • Example: If you mix red and blue, you get purple.
3. Routines or Habits: What always happens under certain conditions.
   • Example: If I wake up late, I skip breakfast.
4. Instructions or Rules: Guidelines that always apply.
   • Example: If the light turns red, you stop.

Breaking Down the Zero Conditional

1. The ‘If’ Clause
   • This sets the condition.
   • Always written in the present simple tense.
   • Example: If it rains…
2. The Main Clause
   • This describes what happens when the condition is met.
   • Also written in the present simple tense.
   • Example: …people use umbrellas.

Complete Sentence: If it rains, people use umbrellas.

A Simple Analogy 🌱

Think of the zero conditional like a universal machine: When you press the button, the machine works. Every time you press the button (the condition), the machine performs (the result).

Examples

Basic Examples:

1. If you heat ice, it melts.
2. If babies are hungry, they cry.

Advanced Examples:

1. If there is no sunlight, plants cannot photosynthesize.
2. If you study hard, you get good grades.

Common Mistakes

• ❌ Incorrect: If he will come late, he misses the bus.
• ✅ Correct: If he comes late, he misses the bus.
  (Both clauses must stay in the present simple tense.)
• ❌ Incorrect: If it is raining, you will see puddles.
• ✅ Correct: If it rains, you see puddles.
  (The zero conditional describes what always happens.)

Practice Time! 📝

Fill in the blanks with the correct form of the verbs:

1. If you __________ (touch) fire, it __________ (burn).
2. If the sun __________ (rise), the sky __________ (light up).
3. If children __________ (not sleep) well, they __________ (be) cranky.
4. If you __________ (add) sugar to tea, it __________ (taste) sweet.

Answers:

1. If you touch fire, it burns.
2. If the sun rises, the sky lights up.
3. If children don’t sleep well, they are cranky.
4. If you add sugar to tea, it tastes sweet.