ZERO

CONDITIONAL
 What is zero conditional?
Zero conditional is a structure used to talk

about general truths, that is, things that

always happen under certain given

conditions.
 What’s 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
doesn’t 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, there’s 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’
ZERO CONDITIONAL

The zero Conditional is a structure

used for talking about:
• General Truths.
• Scientific Facts.
• Things which always happened
under certain conditions.
ZERO CONDITIONAL

General Truths:
If condition result
If it rains, we get wet.

Scientific Facts:
If condition result
If the water boils, it is not
cold
ZERO CONDITIONAL

Things that always happen under

certain Conditions:

If condition result

If I study, I get good

marks
ZERO CONDITIONAL

If clause: Main clause:

PRESENT SIMPLE PRESENT SIMPLE or

IMPERATIVE
ZERO CONDITIONAL

If you don’t water flowers, they die.

If you have a headache, stop watching TV.

If clause: Main clause:

PRESENT SIMPLE PRESENT SIMPLE
or IMPERATIVE

With zero conditional

we express a general truth or we give advice.
 Exercises
Match the clauses from both columns to create zero
conditional sentences.