Zero and first conditionals: things that always happen and possible future situations

If you don't have a ticket, you can't get on the train. always happens / possible future
If you haven't got a ticket, you'll have to get one now. always happens / possible future

If you want to learn the piano, you have to practise. always happens / possible future
If you want to pass your piano exam, you'll have to practise. always happens / possible future

If there is a typhoon, we'll cancel the picnic. always happens / possible future
If there is a typhoon, all classes are cancelled. always happens / possible future

If you lock him in the house all day, he barks his head off. always happens / possible future
If you take him for a walk, he'll be really happy. always happens / possible future

If you tell her how clever she is, she'll let you borrow the car. always happens / possible future
If you disagree with him, he just gets angry. always happens / possible future

If you ask Sue to help you, she'll show you how to do it. always happens / possible future
If you ask her to do anything, she always says she's busy. always happens / possible future

If you call their hot line, you just get a recorded message. always happens / possible future
If you call her now, she'll still be at home. always happens / possible future

Practise – answer the questions by completing the sentences

What happens if there is a black rainstorm?

If there is__________________________________________________________________

What happens in your workplace if you are sick?

If you are _________________________________________________________________

What will you do if it rains at the weekend?

If it rains __________________________________________________________________

What does your boss do if you are late?

If you are late ______________________________________________________________

What do you think will happen if you are late tomorrow?

If I am late tomorrow_________________________________________________________
Answers

If you don't have a ticket, you can't get on the train. always happens
If you haven't got a ticket, you'll have to get one now. possible future

If you want to learn the piano, you have to practise. always happens
If you want to pass your piano exam, you'll have to practise. possible future

If there is a typhoon, we'll cancel the picnic. possible future

If there is a typhoon, all classes are cancelled. always happens

If you lock him in the house all day, he barks his head off. always happens
If you take him for a walk, he'll be really happy. possible future

If you tell her how clever she is, she'll let you borrow the car. possible future
If you disagree with him, he just gets angry. always happens

If you ask Sue to help you, she'll show you how to do it. possible future
If you ask her to do anything, she always says she's busy. always happens

If you call their hot line, you just get a recorded message. always happens
If you call her now, she'll still be at home. possible future

[Example answers – others are possible]

What happens if there is a black rainstorm?

If there is a black rainstorm, schoolchildren stay at home.

What happens in your workplace if you are sick?

If you are sick, you have to call in and bring a doctor's note.

What will you do if it rains at the weekend?

If it rains at the weekend, I'll stay in and watch TV.

What does your boss do if you are late?

If you are late, my boss goes absolutely mad.

What do you think will happen if you are late tomorrow?

If I am late tomorrow, nothing will happen as the boss is away.