Zero Conditional – rules of usage, the difference between zero and first types

Overall, there are 5 types of Conditionals in the English language. In this article, we will be considering the easiest of them – Zero Conditional. 

Contents

1. When Zero Conditional is used
2. Sentence construction
3. The difference between zero and first types
4. How to replace the word “if”

In order to boost your knowledge, we suggest that you read articles about other types and watch a Green Forest video:

• type 1;
• type 2;
• type 3;
• mixed types.

When Zero Conditional is used

Zero Conditional is mostly used for generally accepted facts or rules. Needless to say, all conditional sentence types consist of two parts: if-clause and the main clause. Now let's take a closer look at the cases of its use.

1. To describe natural processes, general scientific facts, etc.

Zero Conditional is usually required when dealing with certain natural processes or laws, scientific facts, or certain causal relationships. So, when you explain Chemistry or any other science subject to your children, use this type.

• If the temperature is above 0 degrees, the ice melts.
• If you mix black and white colors, you get gray.
• If you cut your arm, it bleeds.

2. When it comes to certain facts that are understandable and true for most people

These can be sentences containing facts that are understandable to everyone and do not require proof, or well-known and true facts from our lives. 

• If you eat a lot of chocolate, you gain weight.
• If you don’t do sport, you don’t become healthier.
• If babies are hungry, they cry.

3. Technical or other instructions

When you are writing technical instructions for the use of a certain application or device.

• If you don’t download zoom on your phone, you can’t join our online meeting.
• If you click here, one new window appears.
• If I press the red button, the air remote controller works.

4. Certain facts about yourself and your own life

When we are dealing with habits, certain routine things from life, when we are talking about something that happens from time to time or quite often.

• If I’m tired after my working day, I usually drink a bottle of wine in the evening. 
• If Sam gets up earlier than Patrick, she drinks coffee alone. 
• If I go out with my folks, we often go to the restaurant in the city center.

Sentence construction

In this article, you will be able to see and make sure that there are several ways of forming a sentence in this type. First and foremost, we will consider the most commonly used and standard structure.

So, Present Simple is used in both parts of the sentence.

• If the rain falls, the grass becomes wet.
• If you sunbath for a long time in the summer, you have a sunburn. 
• If you throw something, if falls down.

However, there is always some place for improvement. Present Continuous, Present Perfect, or even Imperative can also be used.

The difference between zero and first types

If Zero Conditional is required to make a statement about certain natural processes or generally accepted facts, then the first type is used when the action is likely to occur in the future whether there is a fulfield condition or not. 

How to replace the word “if”

1. Unless
2. When
3. Whenever
4. As soon as
5. Provided that
6. On condition that
7. Even if

The word “if” can be replaced by others depending on the context of the word. You can consider the most commonly used ones above and those that are perfect for building a sentence in Zero Conditional. We also provide you with some visual examples of these replacement words instead of “if” in Zero Conditional.

• Unless the sun rises up, morning doesn't come.
• When you heat the water to 100 degrees, it definitely boils.
• Whenever she comes to the office earlier, she drinks two cups of tea.
• As soon as it rains, the mushrooms grow.
• Provided that you write your essay better than the previous time, you may go to the shopping mall.
• On condition that I'm late to work, I often take a taxi to get to the office faster.
• Even if Jane is hungry, she should wait before the prayer finishes.