1. What is the 0 conditional?
The 0 conditional is an ‘if’ phrase for relationships that are always true.
This means if x happens, y always happens.
Generally, this relationship is ’cause and effect’, meaning x makes y happen.
2. How to make the 0 conditional
To make the 0 conditional, use:
- if clause (if + present tense) + present tense clause
| If clause (if + present tense) | Present tense clause | Example sentence |
|---|---|---|
| if it gets hot | ice melts | If it gets hot, ice melts |
| if people don’t drink water | they die | If people don’t drink water, they die. |
| if you drop a rock into the ocean | it sinks | If you drop a rock into the ocean, it sinks. |
| if you don’t cut your hair | it gets longer | If you don’t cut your hair, it gets longer. |
The ‘if clause’ can be placed at the start or at the end.
If the ‘if clause’ goes at the start, there is usually a comma between the two parts.
If the ‘if clause’ goes at the end, there is no need for a comma.
| ‘if clause’ at start | ‘if clause’ at end |
|---|---|
| If people don’t drink water, they die. | People die if they don’t drink water. |
| If you drop a rock into the ocean, it sinks. | A rock sinks if you drop it into the ocean. |
3. Exercises
Complete the sentences using the 0 conditional:
(i) If you leave an apple if the sun for 2 weeks,…..
(ii) If you put the dog in the washing machine,…..
(iii) You are an idiot if ….