Learn how to make the Zero Conditional in English with plenty of examples and free ready-to-print PDF files with explanations and exercises.
The zero conditional is a structure used for talking about general truths — things which always happen under certain conditions.
A zero conditional sentence consists of two clauses, an “if” clause (condition) and a main clause (result). In most zero conditional sentences you can use when or if and the meaning will stay the same.
• If you heat water to 100 degrees, it boils.
• If you mix blue and yellow, you get green.
If the “if” clause comes first, a comma is usually used. If the “if” clause comes second, there is no need for a comma:
• Water boils if you heat it to 100 degrees.
• You get green if you mix blue and yellow.
We use the same verb form in each part of a zero conditional: the simple present tense.
The zero conditional is used to talk about things which are always true — such as scientific facts and general truths. Remember: we are not talking about a specific event but something which is generally true.
• If you cross an international date line, the time changes.
• If it rains, the grass gets wet.
• If I miss the 7 o’clock train, I am late for work.
• My boss gets angry if I am late for work.
• Wood doesn't burn if there is no air.
• Babies cry if they are hungry.
You can use “when” instead of “if” in this type of conditional.
• Water boils when you heat it to 100 degrees Celsius.
Structure
A zero conditional sentence consists of two clauses, an “if” clause (condition) and a main clause (result). In most zero conditional sentences you can use when or if and the meaning will stay the same.
• If you heat water to 100 degrees, it boils.
• If you mix blue and yellow, you get green.
If the “if” clause comes first, a comma is usually used. If the “if” clause comes second, there is no need for a comma:
• Water boils if you heat it to 100 degrees.
• You get green if you mix blue and yellow.
We use the same verb form in each part of a zero conditional: the simple present tense.
Use
The zero conditional is used to talk about things which are always true — such as scientific facts and general truths. Remember: we are not talking about a specific event but something which is generally true.
• If you cross an international date line, the time changes.
• If it rains, the grass gets wet.
• If I miss the 7 o’clock train, I am late for work.
• My boss gets angry if I am late for work.
• Wood doesn't burn if there is no air.
• Babies cry if they are hungry.
Tip
You can use “when” instead of “if” in this type of conditional.
• Water boils when you heat it to 100 degrees Celsius.
