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Zero Conditional - English Grammar - EF

The zero conditional is used to describe general truths and situations that are always or currently true. It uses the simple present tense in both the if-clause and the main clause. Some examples of zero conditional sentences include "If you heat ice, it melts", "Plants die if they don't get enough water", and "If you mix red and blue, you get purple." The zero conditional can also be used to give instructions using the imperative in the main clause, such as "If Bill phones, tell him to meet me at the cinema."

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159 views1 page

Zero Conditional - English Grammar - EF

The zero conditional is used to describe general truths and situations that are always or currently true. It uses the simple present tense in both the if-clause and the main clause. Some examples of zero conditional sentences include "If you heat ice, it melts", "Plants die if they don't get enough water", and "If you mix red and blue, you get purple." The zero conditional can also be used to give instructions using the imperative in the main clause, such as "If Bill phones, tell him to meet me at the cinema."

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Nameless 00
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4/14/2020 Zero Conditional | English Grammar | EF

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English grammar (/wwen/english-resources/english-grammar/) /  Verbs (/wwen/english-resources/english-grammar/verbs/)


/  Conditional (/wwen/english-resources/english-grammar/conditional/)

ZERO CONDITIONAL

FORM
In zero conditional sentences, the tense in both parts of the sentence is the simple present.

If clause (condition) Main clause (result)

If + simple present simple present

If this thing happens that thing happens.

As in all conditional sentences, the order of the clauses is not xed. You may have to rearrange the pronouns and adjust punctuation when you change
the order of the clauses, but the meaning is identical. In zero conditional sentences, you can replace "if" with "when", because both express general
truths. The meaning will be unchanged.

EXAMPLES
If you heat ice, it melts.
Ice melts if you heat it.
When you heat ice, it melts.
Ice melts when you heat it.
If it rains, the grass gets wet.
The grass gets wet if it rains.
When it rains, the grass gets wet.
The grass gets wet when it rains.

FUNCTION
The zero conditional is used to make statements about the real world, and often refers to general truths, such as scienti c facts. In these sentences, the
time is now or always and the situation is real and possible.

EXAMPLES
If you freeze water, it becomes a solid.
Plants die if they don't get enough water.
If my husband has a cold, I usually catch it.
If public transport is e cient, people stop using their cars.
If you mix red and blue, you get purple.

The zero conditional is also often used to give instructions, using the imperative in the main clause.

EXAMPLES
If Bill phones, tell him to meet me at the cinema.
Ask Pete if you're not sure what to do.
If you want to come, call me before 5:00.

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