Zero and First Conditional Sentences Quiz

What is the zero conditional used for?

• To describe ongoing actions in the present.

• To talk about past events.

• To talk about general truths or facts that are always true.

• To express possibilities in the future.

Answer explanation

The zero conditional is used to talk about general truths or facts that are always true. This grammatical structure in English is used to express situations where if one condition happens, a certain result will always follow, regardless of when or how many times the condition is fulfilled, hence it signifies a universal truth.

Complete the sentence: If it rains, I ____________.

• will take an umbrella

• will wear a raincoat.

• will get wet.

• will stay indoors.

Answer explanation

The question posits a hypothetical scenario: what will the person do if it rains. The answer is 'will take an umbrella', indicating that the person plans to use an umbrella as protection against the rain. The other options, like wearing a raincoat, getting wet, or staying indoors, could also be valid responses, but the selected answer is to use an umbrella.

What is the first conditional used for?

• To express a certain condition and its certain result.

• To express an impossible condition and its probable result.

• To express a possible condition and its probable result.

• To express a past condition and its past result.

Answer explanation

The first conditional, also known as the 'real' conditional, is used to express situations that are likely or possible. It is conditional in the sense that the result will occur if a particular condition is met. The correct choice is 'To express a possible condition and its probable result.' This means that if the condition is possible, the result is also probable.

Complete the sentence: If I study hard, ____________.

• I will fail the exam.

• I will forget everything.

• I will get good grades

• I will become lazy.

Answer explanation

The sentence 'If I study hard, ____________.' is proposing a cause and effect relationship. It suggests that studying hard would result in a positive outcome. Among the provided options, 'I will get good grades' aligns with this implication as it illustrates a positive result of hard study. The other options indicate negative outcomes which contradict the expected positive effect of hard studying.

True or False: The zero conditional is used to talk about general truths and scientific facts.

• The zero conditional is used to talk about personal opinions

• False

• The zero conditional is used to talk about past events

• True

Answer explanation

The statement is true. The zero conditional is indeed used to talk about general truths and scientific facts. It's not about personal opinions or past events. It's a grammar construct used to express a universal truth or fact, thus making the 'True' option the correct one.

True or False: The first conditional is used to talk about possible future events.

• The first conditional is used to talk about past events.

• The first conditional is used to talk about possible future events.

• The first conditional is used to talk about hypothetical situations.

• The first conditional is used to talk about present events.

Answer explanation

The first conditional is indeed used to discuss potential future events. It is a grammatical structure that allows us to talk about future situations that are likely to happen or have a real possibility of happening. The given statement is therefore true. Other options were incorrect as they suggested use of the first conditional for past, present, or hypothetical scenarios, which is not accurate.

What is the structure of a zero conditional sentence?

• If + present simple, present simple

• If + past simple, present simple.

• If + present continuous, present simple.

• If + present simple, present continuous.

Answer explanation

A zero conditional sentence is a structure used for stating facts, or things which always happen. It is formed with 'if' followed by a present simple condition, then another present simple result. It's typically used in cases where the result will always happen. So, the correct structure is 'If + present simple, present simple'.

Complete the sentence: If you heat ice, it ____________.

• melts and turns into water

• expands and turns into a solid.

• solidifies and turns into a gas.

• evaporates and turns into steam.

Answer explanation

The question asks what happens when you heat ice. The correct answer is that it melts and turns into water. This is because heat energy is absorbed by the ice, causing its molecules to move faster and break the bonds that hold them in a solid structure, leading to a phase change from solid (ice) to liquid (water). Other options are incorrect as they don't accurately represent the process of heating ice.

What is the structure of a first conditional sentence?

• If + present simple, past simple.

• If + present simple, present simple.

• If + present simple, present continuous.

• The structure of a first conditional sentence is: If + present simple, future simple

Answer explanation

The question asks about the structure of a first conditional sentence. The correct answer explains it as 'If + present simple, future simple', emphasizing the use of the present simple tense in the if-clause and the future simple tense in the main clause. This reflects the standard rule for forming first conditional sentences in English grammar.

Complete the sentence: If I don't catch the bus, ____________.

• I will be late for my appointment.

• I will have to walk to my destination.

• I will have to call a taxi.

• I will have to find an alternative mode of transportation or wait for the next bus.

Answer explanation

The question asks what the consequence will be if the speaker fails to catch the bus. The correct answer is 'I will have to find an alternative mode of transportation or wait for the next bus.' This is because if the speaker misses the bus, they will either have to find a different way to get to their destination, such as a taxi or walking, or wait for the next bus to come.