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Zero conditional

Introduction

boiling kettle with a whistle    If you heat water in a kettle, it boils.


Definition

The zero conditional refers to real events. The result of the condition is always the same.


Construction


Construction

Time reference

Example

'if' + present, + present

 

any time condition + any time result

 

If the sun shines, people are happier.


As with all conditionals, the 'if' clause can come first or second. When it comes first, it is followed by a comma.


Uses

Zero conditional sentences are used to talk about general truths and facts, not about individual, specific situations.

Use

Examples

Scientific facts

If you add salt to water, it boils more quickly.

Universal truths

People put on weight if they eat too much.

Things that happen regularly

If I leave home at 8.00, I arrive at work at 9.00.


Note that because the result is always the same, we can use 'when' as an alternative to 'if'. We also sometimes use 'whenever', especially for things that happen regularly:


             If/when people don't drink, they get thirsty.

            If/when/whenever he's late for work, his boss gets angry.




Present continuous


We can also use the present continuous:       

 

If it's raining, people carry umbrellas.

If people are carrying umbrellas, it's probably raining.


 

 

Imperative


Whenever you're tired, take a break.  

When I'm working, don't disturb me.

If you go to Paris, visit the Louvre.


 

Modals


Some modal verbs might be used in the main clause.


If you go to another country, you should try to speak the language.

You can get a refund if the plane is delayed.

Zero or first conditional?

The first conditional is used for real, likely events. Compare these two sentences:

If I leave home at 8.00, I arrive at 9.00. [this refers to every time I leave at 8.00]

If I leave home at 8.00, I'll arrive at 9.00. [this refers to a specific occasion in the future]


Examples

Fire alarm   The alarm goes off whenever there's a fire.

girl, rain, park, child, weather, wet, rainy, outdoor summer jump fille pluie  Only children go in the garden if it's raining. 

meeting, Japanese  When you work with people from other countries, you might have to do things differently.

girl, eating, yoghurt manger child enfant  If she's eating then she's getting better.  .  

London England Beefeater Tower tour If you visit London, don't miss the Beefeaters at the Tower of London.