Zero ConditionalUse
Zero conditional is used much the same to present simple. There are 3 main usages of this conditional which are habit/routine, fact and general truth. Zero Conditional has two clauses which are the reason clause and the result clause.
Form : If + Present Simple, Present Simple. / Present Simple + if + Present Simple.
Reason Clause
The clause that start with if. It can also be called if-clause or conditional clause. It can be placed before or after the main clause.
Result Clause
The clause that has no "if". It can also be called main clause. It can be placed before of after the reason clause.
Modal verbs
Here are some modal verbs that are frequently used in zero conditional.
- Can
- Should
- May
Example
Habit/Routines
- If I feel stressed, I normally hang out with friends.
- I usually create contents for my website if I don't work.
- What do you normally do if you don't work?
- Do you go mind if I ask you something?
Fact/General truth
- If the sun rises, the sky is bright.
- Water freezes if the temperature drops to 0 degrees Celsius.
- The ground is wet if it rains.
- If we don't get enough sleep, we normally feel tired the next morning.
Zero Conditional with modal verbs
- You can play if you finish your work.
- If you want to be fit, you should do exercise regularly.
- May I leave early if I finish my work?
- If it rains heavily, it may cause traffic jam.
Zero Conditional
Learn about facts and general truths
What is the Zero Conditional?
The zero conditional describes facts, general truths, and things that are always true. It's used for scientific facts, natural laws, and habits.
Structure:
If + present simple, present simple
Examples:
If you heat water to 100°C, it boils.
Scientific fact
If it rains, the ground gets wet.
General truth
If I drink coffee at night, I can't sleep.
Personal habit/routine
💡 Remember:
- • You can use "when" instead of "if"
- • The order of clauses can be reversed
- • No comma needed when the main clause comes first
Practice Exercises
Complete the sentences using the zero conditional
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