The Zero Conditional

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What is the zero conditional? Do we use it to talk about hypothetical present, past or future? Let’s find out!

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Warm-up

Pair each 'if' statement on the left with its matching outcome on the right.

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-What tense do we use after ‘if’? -What tense do we use in the second clause? -Which of these sentences are examples of general truths? -Which of these sentences describe regular habits or routines? -Are the last three sentences true about you too?

Theory - part 1

Exercise 2

Finish the sentences below:

If you leave ice in the sun,

If I drink coffee late at night,

If plants get enough water,

If you get too close to a flame,

If you eat too quickly,

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We don’t have to use the ‘if’ clause first. It’s also possible to start the sentences with the main clause. If I need money, I work overtime. → correct I work overtime if I need money. → correct

Food stays fresh if…

I take a nap if…

I stay home on a Friday night if…

Water freezes if…

Plants die if…

Exercise 3

Fill in the gaps and watch the clip to check your answers.

A."Listen. Did you ever do anything about costumes for Claire's thing tonight?" "I'm going to pick them up this afternoon.” "As long as you got it covered, because if Claire … (not/get) her Halloween, she … (turn) into a real rhymes with bruja."

B. "Eww! Oh, yuck! Do you have an issue with me? 'Cause if I … (have) a problem with somebody, I … (not/pee) on them.”

C. “Eating sugar gave me a lot of acne when I was younger and even now if I … (eat) too much sugar, it … (make) it a lot worse.”

D. “Dip the wooden spoon into the oil. If it … (bubble), it … (be) hot enough.”

Sykkuno - Much worse

Watch Sykkuno's clip titled "Much worse"

https://clips.twitch.tv/SullenHotDugongTTours-ka5U584wDu4s3fnF

Exercise 4

Correct the mistakes in each sentence to properly use the zero conditional.

If you turn the key, the engine start.

If you cut onions, you often crying.

If I feel tired, I takes a nap.

Do if you leave bread out, it go stale?

If people not eat, do they feel hungry?

If you not push the button, the device doesn’t turn on.

Answer key

If you turn the key, the engine starts.

If you cut onions, you often cry.

If I feel tired, I take a nap.

Does the bread go stale if you leave it out?

If people don’t eat, do they feel hungry?

If you don’t push the button, the device doesn’t turn on.

Exercise 5

Imagine you're about to move out, and your parents are giving you their final pieces of advice. Read each piece of advice and decide whether it's good or bad advice for someone starting out on their own.

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- Can you spot a difference in the structure of those sentences compared to the zero conditional sentences we learnt about before? - What about the meaning? - Did your parents give you similar advice when you were moving out?

Theory - part 2

Exercise 6

Imagine you're planning to leave your pet, Wyatt, a lovely Border Collie (or your own pet, if you have one), with a pet sitter while you're away. Your task is to write down a set of instructions to help the pet sitter take care of Wyatt. Complete the sentences below. You can use the words in the brackets as an inspiration, or come up with your own instructions!

If Wyatt refuses to eat his dinner, ... (yoghurt)

If it starts raining while you're out for a walk, ... (towels)

If Wyatt looks restless, ... (fetch)

If Wyatt gets scared of something, ... (encouragement and treats)

If Wyatt begins to bark excessively at something, ... (distraction with toys)

If Wyatt is too energetic inside the house, ... (longer walk suggestion)

If Wyatt starts pacing around the house, ... (check for needs)

Brush his fur … (anxious)

Take Wyatt to the vet … (sick)

Give Wyatt a puzzle toy … (bored)

Exercise 7

Read the sentences below. Do you agree with them? Pay attention to the word used instead of ‘if’. Does it affect the meaning?

When you read books regularly, you expand your vocabulary.

When you practice gratitude, you increase your overall happiness.

When you engage in daily exercise, your health improves.

When you spend time in nature, you reduce your stress levels.

When you challenge yourself to try new things, you grow more confident.

Theory - part 3

Exercise 8

Fill in the gaps to create correct sentences in the zero conditional. Use either ‘if’ or ‘when’.

… you explore the old town on foot, you … (discover) hidden gems.

… water reaches 100 degrees Celsius, it … (boil.)

You … (get) purple … you mix red and blue,

… leaves turn brown, it … (be) usually autumn.

… people drink coffee, they usually … (feel) energised.

… you freeze water, it … (become) ice.

Tea … (taste) sweeter .… you add sugar to it.

… the sun sets, it … (get) dark.

… you press a light switch, the room … (light) up.

Cats often … (purr) … they are happy.

Exercise 9

So far, we’ve used only the Present Simple in both clauses. Can we use any other tenses? Fill in the gaps based on what you know about the Zero Conditional and then watch the clip. Which tense did Jack use? Start the video at 19:28.

“If people … (enjoy) your content, it … (not matter) how you feel towards a certain game sometimes.”

Exercise 10

Read the theory bit below and then fill in the gaps in the provided sentences.

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If you want to stress an ongoing action, you may use the Present Continuous in one of the clauses. ❗This is a bit unconventional usage of the Zero Conditional. ❗ Example: If you’re not feeling well, stay at home.

If you … (feel) stressed, take deep breaths to calm down.

If you … (crave) something sweet, try eating a piece of fruit instead of reaching for candy.

When you … (struggle) with a problem, ask for help from a friend or colleague.

Let people know when you … (run) late.

Try listening to calming music if you … (have) trouble falling asleep.

Exercise 11 - one more thing!

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The Zero Conditional form can be adapted to talk about past habits, facts and routines. We would use the Past Simple in those examples. Example: If I woke up early, I played games before school.

Complete each sentence with your own example based on your childhood experiences. Use the past simple tense to describe a past habit, fact, or routine.

If I had a bad dream, ...

When it rained, ...

If I felt bored, ...

When we went on family vacations, ...

If I got sick, ...

… we baked cookies together.

… I invited friends for a sleepover.

… I stayed up late.

… we went on holiday.

… my mum made me a sandwich.