Zero Conditional

- What is the zero conditional?

We usually use the zero conditional to talk about things which are always true, or things
which always happen as a result thought of something else. We are not talking about a
specific event here, but rather something which is generally true. We often use the zero
conditional for facts. Sometimes, the things we talk about are not facts, but rather general
truths.

Examples:

a) You get orange if you mix red and yellow.

b) If water reaches 100ºC, it boils.

The zero conditionals can also be used to describe routines and habits, preferences, rules and
laws, causes and effects, superstitions and proverbs, specific situations, instructions, to offer
suggestions and advice and to make requests:

Examples:

a) Unless I'm late for work, I always catch the bus.

b) When I stir fry vegetables, I prefer olive oil.

c) If you are in class, don't use your phone.

- Zero conditional affirmative form

If + present simple + , + present simple

If I mix hydrogen with oxygen, it turns into water.

We can also use when or unless to replace if.

When + present simple + , + present simple

When I stir fry vegetables, I prefer olive oil.

Unless + present simple + , + present simple

Unless I'm late for work, I always catch the train.

 - Zero conditional negative form:

If + don’t/doesn’t + present simple + , + don’t/doesn’t + present simple

If I don't drink water, I don’t hydrate.

- Zero conditional interrogative form:

Do/Does + present simple + If + present simple + ?

Do I hydrate If I drink water?

Modals are common in zero conditional and can be used in either of the clauses. Imperatives
are common in the results clause when we describe rules and laws, give instructions, offer
suggestions and advice, and make requests.

Examples:

a) If you are in class, don't use your phone.

b) If you go to the beach, put on lots of sunscreen.

- Zero conditional: functions

Things which are always true or things which happen as a result of something:

- Facts - Preferences
- General truths - Rules and laws
- Routines - Cause and effect
- Habits - Proverbs
- Superstitions

Specific situations:

- Instructions
- Suggestions and advice
- Requests