Zero and First Conditional
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📚 Zero Conditional (Type Zero)
We use the Zero Conditional to describe things that are always true or generally happen under certain conditions — especially for facts, routines, or scientific truths.
If/When + Present Simple, Present Simple
Examples:
- If you skip breakfast, you feel hungry by mid-morning.
- Metal expands when you heat it.
- When people don't sleep enough, they become irritable.
✏️ Zero Conditional Exercise
Complete with the correct form of the verbs in brackets:
- If you (mix) __________ blue and yellow, it (make) __________ green.
- Plants (die) __________ if they (not get) __________ enough sunlight.
- If a student (talk) __________ during the exam, the teacher (ask) __________ them to leave.
🔮 First Conditional (Type One)
We use the First Conditional to talk about possible future events or situations, and their likely outcomes. These are real possibilities based on current conditions.
If/When + Present Simple, Will + Infinitive
Examples:
- If she studies tonight, she'll pass the quiz tomorrow.
- They'll get a seat if they arrive early.
- When I get home, I'll make dinner.
🔧 Alternative Conjunctions
You can also use unless, as long as, as soon as, or in case instead of "if."
Examples:
- I'll call you as soon as I arrive.
- Unless it's urgent, don't call me during the meeting.
- He'll bring his umbrella in case it rains.
- You can join the trip as long as you pay the deposit.
📝 First Conditional Exercise
Complete with the correct form of the verbs in brackets:
- If the shop __________ (close) early, we __________ (go) somewhere else.
- He __________ (get) stuck in traffic if he __________ (leave) after 8 a.m.
- If they __________ (practice) every day, they __________ (improve) quickly.
- You __________ (burn) the food if you __________ (not watch) the oven.
- If we __________ (not buy) snacks, we __________ (be) hungry later.
- She __________ (not find) the place if she __________ (not use) a map.
- If I __________ (meet) Laura later, I __________ (invite) her to the event.
- They __________ (not make) it on time unless they __________ (take) a taxi.
- I __________ (give) you a reminder in case you __________ (forget).
- You __________ (have) a great time as long as you __________ (join) the tour.
💡 Tip: Remember that zero conditionals express general truths (always true), while first conditionals express real possibilities in the future. Pay attention to the time context to choose the right conditional!