Some of you may already be familiar with this grammatical construction, but for those who are not, I want to introduce to you, the zero conditional.

A zero conditional grammatical construction is used in sentences, when the time is now (or always) and the situation is real (or possible). Zero conditional sentences are used to make statements about the real world (no hypothetical situations). They also are used to talk about general truths and scientific facts. In addition, they are also used to give instructions (when using an imperative).

So, let’s look at how to make a zero conditional statement/sentence. There are two parts to a zero conditional sentence; the ‘if/when/unless’ clause and the main clause. The if/when/unless clause is the conditional and the main clause is the result of the ‘if ‘clause. In a zero conditional sentences, the simple present tense is used in both clauses of the sentence. You form a zero condition sentence like this:

If/when/unless + simple present tense verb clause + simple present tense verb clause.

or

Simple present tense verb clause + if/when/unless + simple present tense verb clause.

Here are some examples to illustrate the making of a zero conditional sentence.

If + it rains + you get wet. = If it rains you get wet.

 

Plants die + if  + they don’t get enough water. = Plants die if they don’t get enough water.

 

When + you fly a budget airline + you have to pay for each piece of luggage. = When you fly a budget airline, you have to pay for each piece of luggage.

 

If + you mix yellow and blue together + you get green. = If you mix yellow and blue together you get green.

 

Unless + he asks you politely + do not give Johnny any candy. = Unless he asks you politely, do not give Johnny any candy.

 

If + my daughter gets sick + I will be sick too sooner or later. = If my daughter gets sick I will be sick too sooner or later.

 

Here are some examples of zero conditional clauses that are used to give instructions:

 

If Bill gets there before me, ask him to wait.

If you leave the room, turn off the lights.

Enter through the left if you have your ticket already.

 

Okay, here is your chance to practice! See if you can fill in the blank with the right verbs (i.e. go, leave, cook, complete) and conditionals (i.e. if, when, unless) for the following sentences. Check the answers below.

 

1. ___ the fire alarm _____ off, _____ the building.

2. My mom always _______ my favorite dinner, ______ I _________ home.

3. ____ you __________all your work, you can ___________.

 

 

Answers:

1. if; goes; leave or exit

2. cooks; when; visit or go

3. when; finish or complete; leave or go