ZERO CONDITIONAL

What is zero conditional?

Zero conditional is a structure used to talk
about general truths, that is, things that
always

happen

conditions.

under

certain

given

Whats its structure?

A zero conditional sentence is made of two clauses: a

main clause and an if clause. Both clauses use the

present simple tense. The order of the clauses
doesnt change the meaning of the sentence
When the if clause goes first, you use a comma
between the clauses. When the main clause goes
first, theres no need of a comma. Look at the
examples:
'if' clause

main clause

If you heat water at 100 degrees,

it boils.

main clause

'if' clause

Water boils

if you heat it at 100 degrees.

Note:
* You can change if for when and as soon
as
* To say if not, you can use unless

Exercises
Match the clauses from both columns to create zero
conditional sentences.

The Zero conditional

'IF' CLAUSE
(CONDITION)

MAIN CLAUSE
(RESULT)

If + simple present
If you heat ice
If it rains

simple present
it melts.
you get wet

The Zero conditional

If you heat water to 100 degrees
it boils.

The Zero conditional

If water gets below freezing

it turns into ice.

The Zero conditional

If you dont water plants,
you get purple.

If you add two and two,

When the traffic light changes to amber,
If you cross an international date line,

When I am stressed,