LoginZero Conditional
In this article, you'll dive into the zero conditional, like 'If you mix red and blue, you get purple'. Detailed explanations and a quiz are included to test your knowledge.
What Is Zero Conditional?
The zero conditional is a grammatical structure frequently used to express a fact or situation that is always true and does not change, regardless of the specific context or situation. It can be used to describe scientific principles, natural phenomena, or personal facts.
Zero Conditional: Structure
The basic structure of a zero type conditional is as follows:
If + condition, result (also called consequent)
Both the condition and the result are typically in the present simple tense, which is commonly used to describe facts. However, the result can also be in imperative mood to give an instruction that should be followed if the condition is met. Here are some examples:
If you heat water, it boils.
This is an example of zero conditionals. The condition always leads to the same result.
If you travel to London, go to the Buckingham Palace.
Here, the result is in imperative mood.
The Condition Clause
The condition clause typically comes at the beginning of the sentence, and a comma (,) separates it from the main clause, also known as the result clause. For example:
If you mix red paint and yellow paint, you get orange paint.
Here, 'if you mix red paint and yellow paint' is the condition clause. 'You get orange paint' is the result clause.
If you heat water to 100 degrees Celsius, it boils.
Order of Clauses
Since the condition clause is marked, it can come at the beginning or at the end of the sentence, without any change in the meaning of the sentence. When the condition clause comes at the beginning, it must be followed by a comma, but when it comes after the result clause, no comma is needed. Here's an example:
You burn your hand if you touch the hot stove.
'You burn your hand' is the result and 'if you keep it close to fire' is the condition clause.
Condition Markers
In addition to 'if,' you can also use 'when' or 'unless' to introduce a condition clause.
'Unless' introduces a negative condition, and conveys the same meaning as 'if...not'. In other words, it presents a condition that must not be fulfilled for something to happen or be true. See the examples:
We go to work tomorrow unless something unexpected happens.
Or 'unless something unexpected happens, we go to work tomorrow'.
The garden party is on unless it rains.
This sentence has the same meaning as 'The garden party is on if it doesn't rain.'
On the other hand, 'when' introduces a condition that leads to a predictable result and expresses certainty about the result. For example:
When I don't clean my bedroom, my mom gets angry.
We can use 'when' instead of 'if'. It won't change the meaning of the sentence.
Zero Marker
You can use a past participle at the beginning of the condition clause to introduce a passive condition, without any condition marker or inversion. Keep in mind that this structure only works with verbs that can be made passive. This structure is more formal than using condition markers. For example:
Left in sunlight, ice melts.
This is equivalent to "If you leave ice in sunlight, it melts."
Stored properly, food lasts longer.
Review
'Zero conditional' is often used for something that is generally true and does not change, something that always happens if a condition is met, like a scientific fact. The condition always has the same result.
Condition Markers
In addition to 'if', you can also use 'when' or 'unless'. 'Unless' introduces a negative condition and 'when' expresses certainty about a predictable result.
If you press this button, the machine starts.
When I skip breakfast, I feel tired by noon.
Plants die unless they get enough water.
Quiz:
Which of the following sentences uses "unless" correctly in a zero conditional structure?
Unless you press this button, the machine starts.
The machine won't start unless you press the button.
Unless you press this button, the machine will start.
Unless you will press this button, the machine starts.
Sort the words to form a sentence in the zero conditional.
Which of the following sentences correctly follows the rules for the order of clauses in a zero conditional?
If you eat too fast you get hiccups.
You catch a cold, if you don't wear a jacket.
If you leave milk out, it spoils.
You feel sleepy, when you read in bed.
Match each incomplete sentence to the correct ending.
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the verb or condition marker.
you add sugar to coffee, it
(taste) sweet.
(leave) in the sun too long, the ice
(melt).
you wear a jacket, you catch a cold.
The cake
(burn) when you
(leave) it in the oven too long.
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