You have probably heard about conditional sentences in English and thought it was a complex topic. Well, it doesn’t need to be. And here’s what the zero conditional (also called conditional type 0) is and how it works.
What Conditional Sentences Are
Conditional sentences are sentences that express what happens if another thing happens. They express a possible situation given that a condition is fulfilled.
It is said that the English language has 4 different types of conditional structures: zero conditional, first conditional, second conditional, and third conditional. However, to be completely honest, we have to add one more: the mixed conditionals. Click here for a summary of all conditional sentences!
Zero Conditional
The zero conditional is used to talk about facts or general truths.
So, it goes without saying that they are used to talk about things that are real and possible in the world. We use it to talk about things that are always true. Sometimes, we use it to talk about things that are true at the present moment as well.
The if-clause (the part that presents the condition for something to happen) may or may not happen but if it happens, the main clause (the part that presents the result) is always supposed to happen.
Let’s understand how the zero conditional is formed.
| Type of clause | If-clause (condition) | Main clause (result) |
| Verb tense | Present simple | Present simple |
| Example | If you heat water to 100ºC, | it boils. |
In the example given above, you can notice that it refers to something that is always true. Given the normal conditions, when someone heats water to 100ºC, it always boils. It is a scientific fact.
More examples of facts and general truths are shown below.
| If you sleep late, you wake up in the morning feeling tired |
| If you practice your English every day, you become proficient faster |
| If you eat healthily, you have fewer health problems |
| Teachers get happy if students participate in class |
| I take a painkiller if I have a headache |
Using the comma
As you can notice in the examples given above when you use the order if present simple + present simple you use a comma (,) to separate the if-clause from the main clause.
However, when you use the order present simple + if present simple you don’t need to use a comma to separate them.
Using when instead of if
We can also use when with a zero conditional since zero conditionals express facts, and general truths.
| When I‘m tired, I go to bed early |
| When I have a lot of work, I stay at the office late |
| When I feel cold, I wear sweatpants and a sweatshirt |
| I drink a cup of coffee when I feel sleepy during the day |
| People get angry when they have to wait too much time in a line |
Zero conditional for giving instructions
The zero conditional is also commonly used when instructions are given. In this case, the main clause is often in the imperative form. Look at the examples below.
| If the TV does not turn on, check whether it is plugged |
| Go to the dentist’s if you have a toothache |
| If you want to get there faster, take a shortcut |
| If your internet connection doesn’t work, contact your provider |
| Eat fruit if you feel hungry between meals |
Mastering the zero conditional
Now you have all the information you need to master the zero conditional in English. It’s not that complicated, is it? Remember that for you to master this structure, use it confidently and never forget it anymore, you should try and use it whenever possible. Don’t forget: if you want to master something, you need to practice it.
If you want to master every aspect of English grammar, take a look at our awesome article on the best books to learn English grammar.
