Zero Conditional

Zero Conditional

The Zero Conditional is used to talk about facts, scientific truths, habits, and situations that are always true.

If one action happens, the other action always happens.

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Structure

If + Present Simple, Present Simple

or

Present Simple + if + Present Simple

Both structures have the same meaning.

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Examples

• If you heat water to 100°C, it boils.
• If it rains, the ground gets wet.
• If you don't water plants, they die.
• Ice melts if the temperature rises above 0°C.

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When to Use the Zero Conditional

Use the Zero Conditional to talk about:

1. Scientific Facts

• If you heat ice, it melts.
• If water reaches 100°C, it boils.

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2. General Truths

• If you exercise regularly, you stay healthy.
• If people eat too much sugar, they gain weight.

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3. Habits and Routines

• If I wake up early, I go for a walk.
• If she has free time, she reads books.

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4. Instructions and Rules

• If the fire alarm rings, leave the building immediately.
• If you press this button, the machine starts.

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Verb Tense

The Zero Conditional always uses the Present Simple in both clauses.

Formula

If + Subject + Present Simple, Subject + Present Simple

Examples

• If the sun sets, it becomes dark.
• If children don't sleep enough, they feel tired.

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More Examples

If Clause	Main Clause
If you mix red and blue,	you get purple.
If people don't drink water,	they become dehydrated.
If you freeze water,	it becomes ice.
If I drink coffee at night,	I can't sleep.
If students study hard,	they perform well.

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Important Rules

• Use the Present Simple in both clauses.
• The result must be something that is generally or always true.
• Use a comma when the sentence starts with if.

Correct:

• If you touch fire, it burns.

Correct:

• It burns if you touch fire.

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Zero Conditional vs First Conditional

Zero Conditional	First Conditional
Talks about facts and truths.	Talks about real future possibilities.
Uses Present Simple + Present Simple.	Uses Present Simple + will + Verb.

Examples

Zero Conditional

If you don't eat, you get hungry.

First Conditional

If you don't eat, you will get hungry.

The first sentence expresses a general truth. The second sentence refers to a future possibility.

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Common Mistakes

❌ If you heat water, it will boil.

✅ If you heat water, it boils.

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❌ If people exercise, they will stay healthy.

✅ If people exercise, they stay healthy.

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❌ If it rains, the ground got wet.

✅ If it rains, the ground gets wet.

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Quick Quiz

1. Which sentence is a Zero Conditional?

A. If it rains, I will stay home.

B. If you heat water, it boils.

C. If I had money, I would travel.

D. If she had studied, she would have passed.

Answer: B

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2. Which tense is used in the Zero Conditional?

A. Past Simple + Past Simple

B. Present Simple + Present Simple

C. Present Simple + Will

D. Past Perfect + Would Have

Answer: B

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3. Choose the correct sentence.

A. If ice melts, it will become water.

B. If ice melts, it became water.

C. If ice melts, it becomes water.

D. If ice melted, it becomes water.

Answer: C

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Summary

• The Zero Conditional describes facts, scientific truths, habits, and situations that are always true.
• Both clauses use the Present Simple tense.
• Structure:
  • If + Present Simple, Present Simple
  • Present Simple + if + Present Simple
• Use it to talk about general truths rather than future possibilities.

Related Lessons

• Conditionals
• First Conditional
• Second Conditional
• Third Conditional
• Mixed Conditionals
• If Clauses
• Present Simple Tense