Zero and First Conditional

Zero and First Conditional – Exercises

These exercises focus on Zero and First Conditional

TLDR

✔️ Zero Conditional = Facts & General Truths (If + Present, Present)
✔️ First Conditional = Future Possibilities (If + Present, Will + Verb)
✔️ Never use "will" in the if-clause!
✔️ "Unless" = "If not"
✔️ Use "might" or "can" instead of "will" for more flexibility

What Are Conditionals?

A conditional sentence has two parts:

✔️ Condition ("if" clause) – The situation
✔️ Result ("main" clause) – What happens if the condition is met

✔️ Example:

• If it rains, we stay inside.

📌 Fun Fact: There are five types of conditionals (Zero, First, Second, Third, and Mixed).

What is the Zero Conditional?

The Zero Conditional talks about facts, general truths, or scientific laws. The result always happens when the condition is met.

✔️ Structure:
👉 If + present simple, present simple

✔️ Examples:

• If you heat water to 100°C, it boils. (Fact)

• If you touch fire, you get burned. (General truth)

• If it snows, the roads get slippery. (Natural law)

📌 Tip: You can replace "if" with "when" because the result is always true.

✔️ Example:

• When you mix red and blue, you get purple.

What is the First Conditional?

The First Conditional talks about real and possible future situations. The result will probably happen if the condition is met.

✔️ Structure:
👉 If + present simple, will + base verb

✔️ Examples:

• If it rains tomorrow, we will stay inside. (Future possibility)

• If you study, you will pass the exam. (Logical result)

• If she calls me, I will answer. (Likely action)

📌 Tip: "Will" can be replaced with "can," "may," or "might" for different meanings.

✔️ Examples:

• If you work hard, you can succeed. (Ability)

• If it’s sunny, we might go to the beach. (Possibility)

Key Differences: Zero vs. First Conditional

📌 Tip: If the result is always true, use Zero Conditional. If it’s possible but not certain, use First Conditional.

Common Mistakes with Zero and First Conditional

📌 Tip: NEVER use "will" after "if" in a conditional sentence!

Variations of Zero and First Conditional

✔️ Zero Conditional with Imperatives

• If you feel sick, see a doctor.

• If the light turns red, stop.

✔️ First Conditional with Modal Verbs

• If you hurry, we might catch the bus.

• If you study hard, you can get a scholarship.

✔️ First Conditional with Unless (= If not)

• Unless you study, you will fail. (= If you don’t study, you will fail.)

• Unless it rains, we will have a picnic.

📌 Tip: "Unless" makes the sentence more natural in some cases.

FAQ: Common Questions About Zero and First Conditional

Can I use "will" in the Zero Conditional?

➡️ No! The Zero Conditional describes facts and general truths, which don’t need "will".

✔️ Example: If you heat ice, it melts. (NOT "will melt")

Can the First Conditional have "can" or "might" instead of "will"?

➡️ Yes! These words change the meaning slightly.

✔️ Example:

• If you study, you might pass. (Possibility)

• If you try harder, you can win. (Ability)

What’s the difference between "if" and "when" in conditionals?

➡️ Use "if" for possible situations and "when" for guaranteed results.

✔️ Example:

• If I feel tired, I drink coffee. (Not always)

• When I feel tired, I drink coffee. (Always)

Can I use "unless" in Zero or First Conditional?

➡️ Yes, but it’s more common in First Conditional.

✔️ Example: Unless you study, you will fail. (= If you don’t study, you will fail.)

What’s the biggest mistake learners make?

➡️ Using "will" in the if-clause!

❌ If she will call, I will answer.
✅ If she calls, I will answer.