Zero conditional

The zero conditional is a structure used for talking about general truths things which always happen under certain conditions.

The structure of a zero conditional sentence

A zero conditional sentence consists of two clauses, an if clause and a main clause (In most zero conditional sentences you can use when or if and the meaning will stay the same.

The structure of a zero conditional sentence(2)

If the if clause comes first, a comma is usually used. If the if clause comes second, there is no need for a comma:

We use the same verb form in each part of a zero conditional: the simple present tense:

We can also use the past simple in the two clauses: If I stayed out late, I always got a taxi home.

Using the Zero conditional

The zero conditional is used to talk about things which are always true such as scientific facts and general truths:

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. Snakes bite if they are scared If babies are hungry, they cry

If I work too much, I get tired. Si trabajo demasiado, me canso. If I have time, I usually go to the movies. Si tengo tiempo, generalmente voy al cine. If she eats hamburgers, she gets an allergy. Si ella come hamburguesas, le da alergia. If they come here, they always bring a present. Si ellos vienen aqu, siempre traen un regalo. If she doesn't know the answer, she keeps silent. Si ella no sabe la respuesta, se mantiene en silencio. If we don't go out on Saturdays, we rent a video and stay home. Si no salimos los sbados, alquilamos un video y nos quedamos en casa. If you freeze water, it turns into ice. Si congelas el agua, se convierte en hielo.

First conditional
We use the first conditional to talk about actions or events in the future which are likely to happen or have a real possibility of happening. For example, it is morning. You are at home. You plan to play tennis this afternoon. But there are some clouds in the sky. Imagine that it rains. What will you do?

 More Examples:
If it rains tomorrow, I will stay at home. (I think there is a real possibility of rain tomorrow. In this condition, I will stay at home) If my father doesn't buy me a bike for my birthday, I will be very unhappy. (I think there is a real possibility that my father won't buy me a bike. In this condition, I will be unhappy)

If it rains this weekend, I'll stay at home If it's sunny this weekend, I'll go to the beach If I have a party, will you come? If we invite her, will she come? If I'm sick, will you look after me? If we eat out tonight, where will we go? If you cook tonight, what will you make? If you have a party, we'll come If they do that again, Ill be really angry! If you drop it, it'll break. If you come at ten, we'll be ready. If you phone me, I'll pick you up at the park.

We can use other modal verbs in place of will.

If it is sunny tomorrow, I might go to the beach. (Going to the beach is only a possibility) If you come early, you can see my mother before she leaves. (It is possible for you to see my mother)