English Teacher Melanie: Grammar – 0 (Zero) Conditional

The 0 (zero) conditional is the easiest to understand! It is also called the real or factual conditional because it is used to talk about facts, or something that is always true. If I eat too much, I get sick.

The result [I get sick] is always true of the condition [if I eat too much]. It is a fact! There is a fixed connection between the two events.

The zero conditional form:If + simple present, simple present

This conditional is easy because you don’t have to remember which clause goes where or which verb tense is used, you just have to remember:facts, habits, daily routines, rules, general truths = present simpleEvery day I take the train to work. If I miss the train, I drive to work.

Example sentences:

Ice melts if you heat it.

If I drink, I never drive.

It’s bad luck if the groom sees the bride before the wedding!

If the banana is yellow, it is ripe and ready to eat!

If you’re happy, I’m happy!

I ask for directions if I get lost.

I don’t let a cold stop me! I still go to work if I get sick.

If I don’t sleep well, I am really cranky in the morning.~

*You can also use modals in the result clause:

I can’t drive if I don’t have my glasses.

If you want to go to university, you must study hard.

If you want to lose weight, you should eat less and exercise more.

You can’t drive a car if you don’t have a license. ~

*You can also use the imperative in the result clause

If you drink, don’t drive.

Please don’t disturb me if I am asleep!

If you’re hungry, eat something!~

*When can be used instead of if:

When I cook fish, the house always smells.

I always smoke when I drink.

When I go to the movies, I eat a bag of popcorn.

When it rains, it pours! [English proverb]

When I’m sad, I go shopping.

I listen to my ipod when I jog.~

*Unless can also be used instead of if not:

I can’t drive unless I have my glasses.
[I can’t drive if I don’t have my glasses.]

You can’t drive a car unless you have a license.
[You can’t drive a car if you don’t have a license.]~

*You can also think of the zero conditional this way: If + present tense, simple present

In the if clause, you can use the present continuous tense:

If I am driving, I never answer my cell phone.

When I’m reading, my cat sits on my lap.

I listen to my ipod when I’m jogging.

Please don’t disturb me if I am sleeping!~

If you have trouble with conditional sentences, please read Conditional Sentences: An Introduction