The zero conditional is used to express general truths, scientific facts, or situations where one action consistently leads to another. The structure of a zero conditional sentence involves two simple present verbs: one in the ‘if’ clause (condition) and one in the main clause (result).
| If clause (condition) | Main clause (result) |
|---|---|
| If + simple present | simple present |
| If this thing happens | that thing happens. |
The order of the clauses can be reversed, and the meaning remains the same. In zero conditional sentences, “if” can be replaced with “when” since both convey general truths.
Examples
- If you drop a glass, it breaks.
- Glass breaks if you drop it.
- When you drop a glass, it breaks.
- Glass breaks when you drop it.
Functions
The zero conditional has several functions:
Expressing general truths and scientific facts: These statements hold true regardless of specific circumstances.
Examples:
If you heat water to 100°C (212°F), it boils.
If plants don’t receive enough sunlight, they can’t photosynthesize.
If you combine hydrogen and oxygen, you get water.
Describing consistent outcomes: These sentences express consistent results that occur when
a certain condition is met.
Examples:
If it rains, the ground gets wet.
If you oversleep, you might be late for work.
Giving instructions: The zero conditional is often used to provide directions or advice by using the imperative in the main clause.Examples:
If Jane calls, tell her to meet me at the library.
Ask Maria if you’re not sure how to complete the task.
If you need help, don’t hesitate to reach out.
Keep your phone on silent if we’re in a meeting.
Practice Questions
Choose the correct option in each of the following zero conditional sentences.
If you (leave / leaves) food outside, it attracts ants.
Answer: leave
Explanation: The correct form is “leave” as we use simple present verbs in both clauses of zero conditional sentences.
Plants (grow / grows) if they receive sufficient sunlight and water.
Answer: grow
Explanation: The correct form is “grow” as we use simple present verbs in both clauses of zero conditional sentences.
If you (don’t water / doesn’t water) the plants regularly, they wilt.
Answer: don’t water
Explanation: The correct form is “don’t water” as we use simple present verbs in both clauses of zero conditional sentences.
A bicycle (rust / rusts) if it’s left out in the rain.
Answer: rusts
Explanation: The correct form is “rusts” as we use simple present verbs in both clauses of zero conditional sentences.
When the wind (blow / blows) strongly, the tree branches sway.
Answer: blows
Explanation: The correct form is “blows” as we use simple present verbs in both clauses of zero conditional sentences.
If you (mix / mixes) vinegar and baking soda, it creates a chemical reaction.
Answer: mix
Explanation: The correct form is “mix” as we use simple present verbs in both clauses of zero conditional sentences.
The traffic lights (turn / turns) red if there’s an emergency vehicle approaching.
Answer: turn
Explanation: The correct form is “turn” as we use simple present verbs in both clauses of zero conditional sentences.
If you (touch / touches) a hot stove, you get burned.
Answer: touch
Explanation: The correct form is “touch” as we use simple present verbs in both clauses of zero conditional sentences.
When the air temperature (drop / drops) below 0°C (32°F), water freezes.
Answer: drops
Explanation: The correct form is “drops” as we use simple present verbs in both clauses of zero conditional sentences.
If a device (is / are) not charged, it doesn’t work properly.
Answer: is
Explanation: The correct form is “is” as we use simple present verbs in both clauses of zero conditional sentences.
