Zero Conditional – English Grammar

The zero conditional is also called the present real conditional. It is for present actions. This lesson shows you how to use the zero conditional in English.

• Zero Conditional Structure
• Uses
• Examples

Zero Conditional Structure

Use the simple present to form both parts of your sentences. Here’s the structure:

If

+

Simple Present

+

Simple Present

Let’s take a look at an example.

• If you exercise, you feel better.

Both parts use a simple present structure. It would be the same with the third person:

• When she exercises, she feels better.

Notice you can also use “when” at the beginning. Here are some more examples.

More Example Sentences:

• If you heat ice, it melts.
• Ice melts if you heat it.
• If I go to bed late, I wake up late.
• You pay higher income taxes when you earn more money.
• When Dave works in the morning, he goes to bed early.

Negative

Negatives use do not, does not, am not, is not, or are not, just like the simple present.

• If you do not exercise, you gain weight.
• You need a pen when you take the test.
• If I don’t study, I don’t do well on tests.
• If you are not on time, you lose one mark.

Questions

Form questions just like you do in the simple present, by reversing the order.

• Does ice melt if you heat it?
• When do you wake up if you have to work?
• If you have to work, when do you wake up?

Zero Conditional Uses

You normally see four main uses for the zero conditional. Here they are:

1. Rules

• If you take your cell phone into class, it must be turned off.
• If you drink alcohol, don’t drive.
• Do not use a calculator when you write the test.

2. Scientific Facts and General Truths

• If you heat water to 100 degrees Celsius, it boils.
• If you drop something, it falls.
• When you combine oil and water, they do not mix.

3. Cause and Effect

• If you push the button, the volume increases.
• If you close the door, it locks automatically.
• The computer turns off when you disconnect the battery.

4. Routine

• I wear my boots when I work.
• She uses glasses when she drives.
• When I cook, I use olive oil.

So that's it! There you have the structure and uses for the zero conditional. Now, let's see if you understand by trying some exercises.

Zero Conditional Tests

Are you ready to try some tests? Here they are:

Zero Conditional Test

Zero Conditional Test 2

And here is a listening exercise you can try to practice your listening and the target grammar:

Zero Conditional Listening Exercise

You can also watch a video lesson:

Zero Conditional Video Lesson