Zero and first conditional

Zero and first conditional

Grammar rules

Zero conditional

Used to describe something that is always true.

If you leave ice in the sun, it turns into water

It's always true. Under such conditions this is what always happens.

If + present simple, present simple

If you leave ice in the sun, it melts.

Even if you change the order of the parts, the rule remains the same.

Ice melts if you leave it in the sun.

You can also use WHEN instead of if.

When I go to bed, I turn off all the lights in the room.

First conditional

Used to talk about possible future events

If I see John in the office, I'll tell him.

If I see John in the future, I will tell him something.

If + present simple, will + Verb

If you don't help me, I'll fail this task.

And even if you change them places, the rule still remains the same.

I'll fail this task if you don't help me.

Never use WILL together with IF

Not correct!

I'll call you if I will have time.

Correct!

I'll call you if I have time.

Other posible variations

Instead of IF you can use

When

Unless

As soon as

Until

Before

After

In case

Instead of WILL

Can

If you don't follow the rules, you can have problems.

May

If you don't follow the rules, you may get into trouble.

Be going to

If you do that, you are going to get into trouble.

Impertaive

If you see him, tell him the news.

Multiple Choice

we will complete that task if we will have enough time.

• Correct

• Incorrect

Don't use WILL together with IF

Multiple Choice

I'll call you when I find out the details.

• Correct

• Incorrect

Multiple Choice

Call me as soon as you will arrive at the office.

• Correct

• Incorrect

AS SOON AS is similar to IF, so we cannot use WILL together with it.

Multiple Choice

You will pass the exam unless you study hard

• Correct

• Incorrect

UNLESS means IF NOT.

So technically you are saying: "You will pass the exam if you don't study hard". Not too logical, isn't it?

Multiple Choice

You can ask questions if you don't understand something.

• Correct

• Incorrect