Zero Conditional Basics
What conditional do we use for facts, rules, and things that are generally true?
What conditional do we use for real future possibilities and likely results?
First conditional
“If you mix red and blue, you get purple.”
Zero conditional
Correct this: “If it will rain, I take my umbrella.”
If it rains, I’ll take my umbrella.
Finish (zero): “If you don’t charge your phone, …”
it dies / it runs out of battery.
Complete the structure: If + present simple, ________ + present simple.
present simple
Complete the structure: If + present simple, ________ + base verb.
will / won't
“If I finish work early, I’ll call you.”
First conditional
Correct this: “If you heat water, it will boils.”
If you heat water, it boils.
Finish (first): “If I have time tonight, …”
I’ll study / I’ll cook / I’ll go to the gym.
Make a zero conditional sentence about ice and heat.
If you heat ice, it melts.
Make a first conditional sentence about rain and bringing an umbrella.
If it rains, I’ll bring an umbrella. (Accept similar)
“If the printer runs out of paper, it stops.”
Zero conditional
Correct this: “If I will see her, I tell her.”
If I see her, I’ll tell her.
Finish (zero): “When people exercise regularly, …”
they feel better / they get stronger.
Turn this rule into a zero conditional: “Late students lose participation points.”
If students are late, they lose participation points.
Rewrite with first conditional: “Maybe I’ll miss the bus. Then I’ll be late.”
If I miss the bus, I’ll be late.
“If we don’t leave now, we’ll miss the train.”
First conditional
Correct this: “If students are late, the teacher will gets angry.”
If students are late, the teacher gets angry. (or “may get” not needed)
Finish (first): “If the meeting runs late, …”
we’ll reschedule / I’ll message you / we’ll finish tomorrow.
Write a zero conditional using “when” instead of “if.”
When I drink coffee late, I can’t sleep. (Accept similar)
Use “unless” in a first conditional sentence about studying and passing.
Unless you study, you won’t pass. (Accept similar)
“If you don’t water plants, they die.”
Zero conditional
Correct this: “If you don’t wear a coat, you get sick tomorrow.”
If you don’t wear a coat, you’ll get sick. (or “might get sick”)
Finish (challenge—either works if correct): “If you follow the instructions carefully, …”
you avoid mistakes. (zero) / you’ll avoid mistakes. (first)