Zero Conditional Structure

Zero Conditional Structure

Use the simple present to form both parts of your sentences. Here’s the structure:

If

+

Simple Present,

+

Simple Present,modals

Example.

• 
  If you exercise, you feel better.
  
• 
  You feel better if you exercise
  

Both parts use a simple present structure. It would be the same with the third person:

• 
  When she exercises, she feels better.
  
• 
  She feels better when she exercises
  

Notice you can also use “when” at the beginning. Here are some more examples.

More Example Sentences:

• 
  If you heat ice, it melts.
  
• 
  Ice melts if you heat it.
  
• 
  If I go to bed late, I wake up late.
  
• 
  You pay higher income taxes when you earn more money.
  
• 
  When Dave works in the morning, he goes to bed early.
  

Negative

Negatives use do not, does not, am not, is not, or are not, just like the simple present.

• 
  If you do not exercise, you gain weight.
  
• 
  You need a pen when you take the test.
  
• 
  If I don’t study, I don’t do well on tests.
  
• 
  If you are not on time, you lose one mark.
  

Questions

Form questions just like you do in the simple present, by reversing the order.

• 
  Does ice melt if you heat it?
  
• 
  When do you wake up if you have to work?
  
• 
  If you have to work, when do you wake up?
  

Zero Conditional Uses

You normally see four main uses for the zero conditional. Here they are:

1. 
   Rules
   

• 
  If you take your cell phone into class, it must be turned off.
  
• 
  If you drink alcohol, don’t drive.
  
• 
  Do not use a calculator when you write the test.
  

2. 
   Scientific Facts and General Truths
   

• 
  If you heat water to 100 degrees Celsius, it boils.
  
• 
  If you drop something, it falls.
  
• 
  When you combine oil and water, they do not mix.
  

3. 
   Cause and Effect
   

• 
  If you push the button, the volume increases.
  
• 
  If you close the door, it locks automatically.
  
• 
  The computer turns off when you disconnect the battery.
  

4. 
   Routine
   

• 
  I wear my boots when I work.
  
• 
  She uses glasses when she drives.
  
• 
  When I cook, I use olive oil.