Zero Conditional
Learn how to use the zero conditional in English.
Can you answer these grammar questions correctly?
Zero Conditional
Point 1: The zero conditional shows a simple cause and effect. Action A causes Action B.
- I turn on the heater if it gets cold.
- I do not walk if it rains.
- I take the bus if I have time.
- I do not drive if the traffic is bad.
Point 2: The zero conditional can use when instead of if in some cases.
- I do not walk to work if it rains.
- I do not walk to work when it rains.
- I take the bus if I have time.
- I take the bus when I have time.
Point 3: The order of clauses in the zero conditional can be reversed.
- He gets moody if he does not have coffee.
- If he does not have coffee, he gets moody.
- The beach is crowded if the weather is nice.
- If the weather is nice, the beach is crowded.
Point 4: The zero conditional uses the simple present tense because it expresses recurring or general actions.
- We play cards on the weekend if we feel like it.
- If she gets stressed, she starts acting strange.
- If the economy is good, people spend more money.
- When it rains, it pours. (idiom)
