CONDITIONALS: ZERO & FIRST

CONDITIONALS: ZERO & FIRST

ZERO conditional

we use it to talk about

- truths

- facts

- habits

- rules

- instructions

IF/WHEN + present simple, present simple

Form of ZERO conditional

We use the present simple in both clauses. We can use either ‘if' or ‘when' in the if clause and the meaning with either word is pretty similar.

ZERO conditional

• IF (there is a chance)

• WHEN (we are certain)

• Examples:

• IF I dance, I feel happy.

• WHEN I dance, I feel happy.

Few more examples of FACTS and TRUTHS:

• When the sun sets, it gets dark.

• If you leave milk out, it spoils.

• If the power goes out, we can't watch TV.

Which one is ZERO conditional sentence?

• A) In winter it's cold

• B) If it's cold, light the fire.

• Sentence A is a fact but it doesn't have two clauses. So, it is just a present simple sentence.

• Sentence B has two clauses: a condition and the result. So, it is a ZERO conditional sentence that can be used to give instructions because of the imperative form of light

ZERO conditional: RULES & HABITS

• RULES: Children can swim, if an adult is with them.

• HABITS: If it's hot, I go to the beach.

• We're stating a fact or a truth in the main clause but it's only possible on the condition that the if clause occurs

FIRST conditional a.k.a the POSSIBLE conditional

predictions

superstitions

plans

promises

offers

suggestions

warnings

IF / WHEN + present simple, present future

Form of FIRST conditional

In the ‘if' clause, we still use a present simple verb but in the main clause, we use the future tense (will).

Eg. of FIRST conditional:

• If you don't eat now, you'll be hungry later.

• If she doesn't call, I'll be annoyed.

• If this thing happens then this will likely happen. It will probably happen. We can't be absolutely sure.

How do we use 'WHEN'?

• ‘WHEN' tells us that the action in the if clause is going to happen and the result in the main clause is the most likely outcome.

• eg: When the sun sets, it will get cold.

ZERO/FIRST – What's the difference?

Multiple Select

Which one is ZERO conditional sentence?

• If you leave the milk out, it spoils.

• If you leave the milk out, it will spoil.

Explanation:

If you leave the milk out, it spoils.

- FACT (ZERO conditional)

If you leave the milk out, it will spoil.

- ADVICE/ WARNING about present (FIRST conditional)

Multiple Select

Which one is a general truth?

• If she doesn't call, I'm annoyed.

• If she doesn't call, I'll be annoyed.

Explanation:

If she doesn't call, I'm annoyed.

- ZERO conditional is used because it's something that happens a lot - it could be a HABIT.

If she doesn't call, I'll be annoyed.

- Referring to a specific phone call at that moment.

Adopted and adapted from

https://www.mmmenglish.com/2020/05/07/zero-and-first-conditionals/

Multiple Choice

You get orange if you mix yellow and red.

• zero conditional

• first conditional

Multiple Choice

If I see her, I will give her your message.

• zero conditional

• first conditional

Multiple Choice

If you heat the ice, it melts.

• zero conditional

• first conditional

Multiple Choice

If we work hard, we will finish the project on time.

• zero conditional

• first conditional

Multiple Choice

I always wear a jacket

• when it is cold.

• when it will be cold.

• when it was cold.

• when it would be cold.

Multiple Choice

If you eat fast food,

• you would have gained weight.

• you gain weight.

• you gained weight.

• you had gained weight

Multiple Choice

They____(go) on holiday if they_____(have) time.

• won't go...have

• 'll go...has

• 'll go...have

Multiple Choice

Question 11-20 are on first conditional.

If I_____(go) out tonight, I_____(go) to the cinema.

• goes...'ll go

• go...'ll go

• went...'ll go

Multiple Choice

I_____(feel) good the next day if I_____(go) to bed early.

• feel...go

• felt...went

• feel...goes

Multiple Choice

Everybody_____(be) grumpy if it_____(rain) a lot.

• are...rains

• is...rain

• is...rains

Multiple Choice

If people_____(eat) too many sweets, they_____(get) fat.

• eat...get

• ate...got

• eat...gets

Multiple Choice

If I _______(wake up) late, I _______ (be) late for work.

• wake up...am

• woke up...will

• wake up...is