Zero and first conditional
The Zero conditional
We can make a zero conditional sentence with two present simple verbs (one in the 'if
clause' and one in the 'main clause'):
If + present simple, .... present simple.
▪ This conditional is used when the result will always happen.
So, if water reaches 100 degrees, it always boils. It's a fact. I'm talking in
general, not about one particular situation. The result of the 'if clause' is
always the main clause.
▪ The 'if' in this conditional can usually be replaced by 'when' without
changing the meaning.
For example:
If water reaches 100 degrees, it boils. (It is always true, there can't be a
different result sometimes).
If I eat peanuts, I am sick. (This is true only for me, maybe, not for
everyone, but it's still true that I'm sick every time I eat peanuts)
Here are some more examples:
If people eat too much, they get fat.
If you touch a fire, you get burned.
People die if they don't eat.
You get water if you mix hydrogen and oxygen.
The First Conditional
The first conditional has the present simple after 'if', then the future simple in the other
clause:
if + present simple, ... will + infinitive
▪ It's used to talk about things which might happen in the future. Of course, we
can't know what will happen in the future, but this describes possible things,
which could easily come true.
▪ Examples: If it rains, I won't go to the park.
If I study today, I'll go to the party tonight.
If I have enough money, I'll buy some new shoes.
She' ll be late if the train is delayed.
She' ll miss the bus if she doesn't leave soon.
