ZERO & FIRST
CONDITIONALS
The Zero (0) Conditional
– We use the zero conditional when we want to talk about facts or
things that are generally true.
– There are two types of facts:
Facts that are true for everyone.
e.g. If water reaches 100 °C, it boils.
Facts that are true for a specific person, group, family, etc.
e.g. If I eat peanuts, I get sick.
Form of Zero Conditional
– We can make a zero conditional sentence with two present
simple verbs (one in the 'if clause' and one in the 'main clause’).
If + present simple, .... present simple.
If you heat ice, it melts.
V1 V1
If clause Main clause
(action) (result)
Usages of the Zero Conditional
– Usually, the if clause is the first part and the main clause is the second
part of a sentence, but they can written in the opposite as well.
If you touch fire, you get burned.
You get burned if you touch fire.
Using when instead of if
If = When
– In zero conditional, we can usually replace if with when if it doesn’t
change the meaning of the sentence.
If babies are hungry, they cry.
When babies are hungry, they cry.
OR
Babies cry if they are hungry.
Babies cry when they are hungry.
The First (1st) Conditional
– We use the first conditional to talk about possible
situations in the future and their results.
E.G. If you break a mirror, you will have bad luck.
Form of First Conditional
– A first conditional sentence has two parts:
The if clause describes the action.
We usually use if + present simple verb (V1).
e.g. If it rains tomorrow, I will stay at home.
The main clause gives the possible result, what will or may
happen.
We use will / won’t + V1.
e.g. If it rains tomorrow, I will stay at home.
Form of First Conditional
If + present simple (V1), .... future simple (will + V1).
If school opens tomorrow, I will be very happy.
V1 will + V1
If clause Main clause
(action) (possible result)
Usage of the First Conditional
– Usually, the if clause is the first part and the main clause is the second
part of a sentence, but they can written in the opposite as well.
If you don’t come home soon, you will be in a lot of trouble.
You will be in a lot of trouble if you don’t come home soon.
FIRST CONDITIONAL
If I study, I will pass my exams.
PRESENT SIMPLE FUTURE SIMPLE
I will pass my exams if I study.
We use it to talk about possible situations
and their consequences in the future.
FIRST CONDITIONAL
+ If I study, I will pass my exams.
- If I don’t study, I won’t pass my exams.
? If I study, will I pass my exams?
+ If he studies, he will pass his exams.
- If he doesn’t study, he won’t pass his exams.
? If he studies, will he pass his exams?