Zero Conditional Sentences in English with Examples

In this lesson, we are going to learn about zero conditional sentences. This is an important grammar structure used when talking about facts, general truths, and things that are always true. By the end of this lesson, you will understand what zero conditional sentences are, how to use them correctly, and see plenty of examples to help you practice.

What is Zero Conditional?

The Zero Conditional is used to talk about facts, truths, and real situations that are always true when the condition is met.

Structure:
If + Present Simple, Present Simple

Examples:

• If water boils, it turns into steam.
• If you heat ice, it melts.
• If it rains, the grass gets wet.
• If you study, you learn new things.
• If people eat too much, they gain weight.

When Do We Use Zero Conditional?

• To express general truths.
• To describe scientific facts.
• To talk about daily habits or routines.
• To show what always happens under certain conditions.

Rules and Usage of Zero Conditional Sentences

1. Present tense is used in both the condition (after “if”) and the result (main clause).

For example:

• If you study, you learn new things.
• If it rains, the grass gets wet.
• If you exercise, you feel healthier.

2. It expresses general truths or facts that are always true.

For example:

• If you heat water to 100°C, it boils.
• If the sun sets, it gets dark.
• If you mix red and blue, you get purple.

3. The word “if” can often be replaced with “when” because it refers to things that always happen.

For example:

• When you heat water to 100°C, it boils.
• When you touch fire, it burns.
• When you don’t eat, you feel hungry.

4. The comma is placed between the condition and the result, but when the condition comes second, the comma is not needed.

For example:

• If you boil water, it turns to steam.
• The grass gets wet if it rains.
• Plants grow if they get sunlight.

Chart of Zero Conditional Sentences

Condition (If-clause)	Result (Main clause)
If you heat ice,	it melts.
If the sun sets,	it gets dark.
If students study,	they learn better.
If you press this button,	the computer turns on.
If it snows,	the roads get slippery.

• If you mix red and blue, you get purple.
• If the sun shines, it feels warm.
• If you touch fire, it burns.
• If you drop a glass, it breaks.
• If you don’t eat, you feel hungry.
• If you don’t water plants, they die.
• If you freeze water, it turns to ice.
• If you don’t sleep, you feel tired.
• If it snows, the roads become slippery.
• If you boil an egg, it hardens.
• If the phone rings, someone answers.
• If a baby cries, the mother comforts them.
• If you look at the sky, you see the stars at night.
• If you cut yourself, you bleed.
• If you open the window, fresh air comes in.
• If the wind blows, the leaves move.
• If you study hard, you pass exams.
• If you leave ice cream in the sun, it melts.
• If dogs bark, they are warning you.
• If the train arrives on time, you catch it.
• If you ask for help, someone helps you.
• If you drop your phone, it may break.
• If you wear a coat, you stay warm.
• If you don’t brush your teeth, they become dirty.
• If the bell rings, the class ends.
• If you follow a recipe, you make delicious food.
• If you wake up early, you feel fresh.
• If you exercise, your muscles get stronger.
• If it rains, people carry umbrellas.
• If you practice, you get better.

FAQs about Zero Conditional Sentences

What is a Zero Conditional Sentence?
A Zero Conditional Sentence is a structure used to talk about general truths or things that always happen when a condition is met.

When do we use Zero Conditional Sentences?
We use Zero Conditional Sentences to describe scientific facts, instructions, and situations that are always true.

What is the structure of Zero Conditional Sentences?
The structure is: If + present simple, present simple.

Can “if” be replaced with “when” in Zero Conditional Sentences?
Yes, because it describes situations that are always true, you can replace “if” with “when”.

Do Zero Conditional Sentences talk about future events?
No, they talk about facts or general truths that are always true, not future possibilities.

Read More

• Second Conditional Sentences
• Mixed Conditional Sentences
• First Conditional Sentences