The Zero Conditional

The zero conditional, also called the present real conditional, is for present actions. 

This lesson shows you how to use the zero conditional properly.





STRUCTURE

If + Present Simple + Present Simple


Examples:

• If you heat ice, it melts.
• Ice melts if you heat it.
• If I go to bed late, I wake up late.
• You pay higher income taxes when you earn more money.

Negative

• If you do not exercise, you gain weight.
• If you exercise, you do not gain weight.
• If I don’t study, I don’t do well on tests.

Questions

• Does ice melt if you heat it?
• When do you wake up if you have to work?
• If you have to work, when do you wake up?

USES

1.  Rules

• If you take your cell phone into class, it must be turned off.
• If you drink alcohol, don’t drive. 
• Do not use a calculator when you write the test.

2.  Scientific Facts and General Truths

• If you heat water to 100 degrees Celsius, it boils.
• If you drop something, it falls. 
• When you combine oil and water, they do not mix.

3.  Cause and Effect

• If you push the button, the volume increases.
• If you close the door, it locks automatically.
• The computer turns off when you disconnect the battery.

4.  Routine

• I wear my boots when I work.
• She uses glasses when she drives.
• When I cook, I use olive oil.

Practice the zero conditional with these exercises:

Zero Conditional Exercise

Zero Conditional Exercise 2