Zero Conditional: Definition, Structure, and Their Use in English

Learn zero conditional sentences with their definition, structure, and usage in English. This lesson is going to be very helpful for you about zero conditional sentences because it contains the easiest method and explanation of zero conditional sentences with useful example sentences.

Definition of Zero Conditional Sentences

The zero conditional is a sentence that is used to refer to a real situation or a general truth. For example, ‘If it is sunny, make sure you bring some sunscreen.’

Zero conditional is easy to form because all the verbs are in the present tense. You just use two clauses, one with If + simple present verb and the other with another simple present verb:

If + Present Simple, …. Present Simple.

For example:

• If you freeze water, it turns into ice.
• And, if you heat water at 100 degrees, it boils.
• If students miss an exam, the professor fails them.

You can reverse the order of the clauses. If the “if” clause comes first, a comma is usually used. If the “if” clause comes second, there is no need for a comma.

For example:

• The professor fails students if they miss an exam.
• I get tired if I work too much.

We often use the imperative or the modal verb in the main clause when we give some advice or instructions.

For example:

• If I’m late for dinner, they start eating without me.

The “if” in this conditional can usually be replaced by “when” without changing the meaning.

For example:

• When people eat too much, they get fat. (= If people eat too much, they get fat.)

“Unless” means the same as “if not”.

For example:

• Unless he asks you politely, refuse to do any more work on the project. (= If he doesn’t ask you politely, refuse to do any more work on the project.)

Use of Zero Conditional Sentences

The zero conditional is used for actual facts, scientific events, and things that are always true.

For example:

• If you heat ice, it melts.
• If you cross an international date line, the time changes.
• And, if public transport is efficient, people stop using their cars.
• If my wife has a cold, I usually catch it.
• If you mix blue and red, you get purple.
• If it rains, the grass gets wet.
• If I go to bed early, I always get up very early.
• If you want to come, call me before 5:00.
• If I make a silly mistake, I laugh.

Zero Conditional Sentences Chart

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1. Types, and Use of English Conditional Sentences
2. Zero Conditional Definition, Structure
3. First Conditional
4. Second Conditional
5. Third Conditional