Zero Conditional
Practice using the zero conditional to talk about facts and things that are generally true.
Zero conditional is used when you want to talk about scientific facts, truths,
habits, or instructions. You can use ‘if’ or’ when’ followed by the present simple.
-Learn-
How can you make the zero conditional
How can you use the zero conditional
Practice making the zero conditional
Download this explanation as a PDF
How do you make the zero conditional?
You can make the first conditional by using 'if' or 'when' followed by the present simple and then the present simple.
For example
"If you don't give plants water, they die."
More Examples
If you mix red and blue, you get purple.
When I am not at my desk, my secretary answers the calls.
If I'm hot, I wear sandals.
Sentence structure
You can put the condition or the result first in a zero conditional statement.
When the result is first, you don’t need a comma (,).
When there’s a sale, I usually go to the shops.
condition + result
I usually go to the shops when there’s a sale.
result + condition
How can you use the zero conditional?
Truths, Facts, Habits
Talk about things that are generally true with the zero conditional.
For example
My kids get angry when they are hungry.
I usually take a shower when I get home from work.
My colleague goes out to lunch if she has meetings with clients.
If a child at the preschool is sick, my daughter usually gets sick too.
Giving Instructions
Zero conditional is often used to give instructions with the result using the imperative.
condition + imperative
If I don't answer my messages, call me.
If you see apples at the store, buy some.
Ask me if you’re not sure about how the machine works.
