Zero and First
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Conditionals
Unavailable Understanding How to Use
Conditionals in Everyday
English
Key Vocabulary
Zero Conditional: Describes First Conditional: Describes
situations that are always true if a situations that are possible and likely
condition is met, like scientific facts or to happen in the future if a condition
general truths. is met.
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What is the Zero Conditional?
Explanation
The Zero Conditional is used to talk about
things that are always true. It uses the
present simple tense in both parts of
the sentence.
Structure
If + present simple, present simple
Example
● If you heat water to 100°C, it boils.
● If it rains, the ground gets wet.
What is the First Conditional?
Explanation
The First Conditional is used to talk about
possible future situations. It uses the
present simple tense in the 'if' clause
and the future simple tense in the main
clause.
Structure
If + present simple, will + base verb
Example
● If I study hard, I will pass the exam.
● If it is sunny tomorrow, we will go to
the park.
Comparing Zero and First Conditionals
Zero Conditional First Conditional Key Difference
● Always true ● Possible future ● Zero: Present facts
● General facts ● Likely outcomes ● First: Future
● Example: If you mix ● Example: If I save possibilities
red and blue, you money, I will buy a ● Example: If it rains,
get purple. new bike. the ground gets
wet (Zero) vs. If it
rains, we will stay
inside (First).
Real-World Examples
Zero Conditional First Conditional
● If you touch fire, it burns. ● If I finish my homework, I will play
● If you don’t water plants, they video games.
die. ● If she calls, I will answer.
● If you freeze water, it turns into ● If we leave now, we will catch the
ice. bus.
Activity: Complete the Sentences
Instructions
Fill in the blanks with the correct form of
the verb.
1. If you ____ (heat) ice, it ____ (melt).
(Zero Conditional)
2. If I ____ (study) tonight, I ____ (pass)
the test. (First Conditional)
3. If it ____ (rain), the ground ____ (get)
wet. (Zero Conditional)
4. If we ____ (hurry), we ____ (catch) the
train. (First Conditional)
Group Discussion
Question 1 Question 2 Question 3
What are some Can you think of a First Why do you think we
examples of Zero Conditional sentence use different
Conditional sentences about your weekend conditionals for
in science? plans? different situations?
Activity: Create Your Own Sentences
Instructions
Work in pairs to write:
1. Three Zero Conditional sentences
about everyday facts.
2. Three First Conditional sentences
about your future plans.
Example
● Zero Conditional: If you eat too much
sugar, you get cavities.
● First Conditional: If I win the lottery, I
will buy a car.
Summary: What We Learned Today
Key Points
● The Zero Conditional is used for facts
and general truths.
● The First Conditional is used for
possible and likely future events.
● Both conditionals follow specific
structures that help us express
different ideas clearly.
Final Thought
Using conditionals makes our
communication more precise and helps us
express cause-and-effect relationships in
English.
