Zero conditional is probably more used in everyday English compared to other conditionals. In this lesson, you’re going to learn how and when to use it. Watch the video and then see the article below.
Let’s have a look at an example: When there is a storm, our football game gets canceled.
Both clauses use the present simple. The zero conditional is used when we talk about things in general. What normally happens if/when this happens.
Here’s another example:
“I get really tired when I eat a lot of pizza.”
It is often used to talk about facts or things that are always true.
Now, let’s compare it to first conditional.
“If it storms, our game will get canceled.”
In this sentence, we are talking about a very specific event in the future. The zero conditional talks about what happens in general while first conditional is used for a specific event in the future.
Here are more examples of zero conditional:
- I have to get the bus if I miss the train to work.
- If I miss the train to work, I have to get the bus.
- We don’t get outside much when it’s too hot.
- If I don’t get enough sleep, I’m really cranky in the morning.
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Take our other conditional lessons here.
Thank you for reading. I hope you found it useful!
