Zero Conditional Sentences
The zero conditional is used to refer to conditions which are always true. So, if water reaches 100 degrees, it always boils. It’s a fact. We are talking in general, not about one particular situation.
In zero conditional sentences, the word “if” can usually be replaced by the word “when” without changing the meaning.
1. Use
The result is always fulfilled when the condition which is given in the if-clause happens.
2. Form
| if clause | main clause |
|---|---|
| Present Simple, | Present Simple. |
3. Examples
| if clause | main clause |
|---|---|
| If you heat ice, | it melts. |
| If it rains | the grass gets wet. |
| If I am late for work, | my boss gets angry. |
The if-clause can be at the beginning or at the end of a sentence.
| if clause | main clause |
|---|---|
| If I am late for work, | my boss gets angry. |
| main clause | if clause |
|---|---|
| My boss gets angry | If I am late for work. |
| if clause | main clause |
|---|---|
| When I am late for work, | my boss gets angry. |
4. Zero Conditional and First Conditional
The zero conditional describes what happens in general whereas the first conditional describes a particular situation.
For example (zero conditional): If you touch fire, you get burned (here I’m talking about every time a person touches fire – the burning is a natural consequence of touching).
But (first conditional): If you the fire, you’ll get burned (here I’m talking about what will happen with this specific fire).