Zero Conditional
Learn how to use the zero conditional in English.
Zero Conditional
Point 1: The zero conditional shows a simple cause and affect. Action A causes Action B.
- Turn on the heater if it gets hot.
- 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 uses 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: Because zero conditionals are subordinating clauses, the order of the clauses can be reversed.
- He gets mood 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 actions.
- We play cards of 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)
Answer the following questions about the interview.
About the Teacher
My name is Todd Beuckens and I am an ESL teacher in Thailand. I created this site to provide teachers and students free audio lessons and learning materials not usually found in commercial textbooks.