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Zero and First Conditional Explanation

Grammar explanation of the zero and first conditional

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Stefy Lazarte
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12 views

Zero and First Conditional Explanation

Grammar explanation of the zero and first conditional

Uploaded by

Stefy Lazarte
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Zero and First Conditionals (Type 0

& Type 1)

“If you heat ice, it melts.”

Zero Conditionals (Type 0 – Present Real)


Zero conditionals talk about things that are always true, like facts or routines.
They are also called present real conditionals.

Form
Zero Conditionals (PRESENT REAL)

If Clause (Condition) Main Clause (Result)

If / When + subject + present simple, subject + Present Simple

Alternative = (if + present continuous)

If you use the main clause first, you don’t use a “comma(,)”

Use
Explanation Examples

If you heat ice, it melts.


to talk about facts and general truths
If you let go of an object, it falls to the ground.
If you heat water to 100 degrees, it boils.

to talk about repeated actions or events


If I go to bed late, I have a headache.
My dog hides somewhere if I am angry at him.
Lisa goes for a walk if she gets up early.

We can use when instead of if. When I go to bed late, I have a headache.
The meaning DOESN’T CHANGE! When you heat ice, it melts.
When you heat water to 100 degrees, it boils.

Alternative forms: If I’m reading a book, I drink coffee.


– with present continuous in the if-clause Betty listens to music if she is traveling.
If Paul is working, he locks the door.

First Conditionals (Type 1 – Future Real)


First conditionals express possible future events and their results. They are
also called future real conditionals.

Form
First Conditionals (FUTURE REAL)

If Clause (Condition) Main Clause (Result)

subject + future simple (will +


If + subject + present simple,
base verb)

modals and modal-like expressions:


Alternatives
can, may, might, should, be going
if + present continuous
to, etc.
“Should” to express uncertainty
an imperative verb

If you use the main clause first, you don’t use


a “comma(,)”

Use
Explanation Examples

to talk about possible future


If it rains tomorrow, I will stay at home.
events
We won’t go out together if our friends arrive late
and results
If anyone should come, I will call you.
If you don’t work hard, you won’t pass the exam.
to talk about You will be able to buy a laptop if you save enough
possible future results money.
based on a present condition If you are studying now, I’ll clean the room later.
Call the doctor if you feel worse.

BE CAREFUL!
You CAN’T use “when” for “if”
in Future Real Conditionals

When I go home today, I will watch the news.


(it is certain that I’ll go home today)
A future time clause with “when” has
a
If I go home today, I will watch the news.
DIFFERENT MEANING!
(It is not certain that I’ll go home today.
Maybe, I won’t go!)

DON’T USE “will” in the if-clause NOT! If she will pass the exam, she will go abroad.

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