In English grammar, we have been studying different conditional sentences which we had understood and also saw its application in various sentences.
There are basically three different types of conditionals which are:
- Probable
- Hypothetical
- Impossible
Being an English learner needs to understand the relation between them to have a grip on the concept.
What are Zero Conditionals?
The zero conditionals are applied to generate the truths. For instance, we have observed nature and have seen the plants grow. Now just imagine what would happen if they do not get enough sunlight? This situation gives rise to conditional sentences.
But sometimes, you might be wondering to generalize it and not impose some sort of conditions. Yes, such conditionals are possible and they are called Zero Conditionals.
Let’s have a look at the examples.
- If the plants of your house do not get enough sunlight, it will wither.
You can also express the above statement in an alternative way.
- The plants of your house may wither if they do not get enough sunlight.
One more alternative way to describe the same statement is:
- When the plants do not get enough sunlight, it withers.
By making use of Zero conditional as English grammar tense, you can improve your English. It will help you to make longer sentences whenever require. In addition to that, it will help you to speak like natives.
So the next thing that would come to your mind is the formation of the zero conditional tenses in English.
Zero Conditional Sentence Structure Form
In order to form a zero conditional, you need to construct the sentences in two parts. These two parts of the sentences are:
- The “If” clause
- The “main” clause
We use this format to form type 0 conditional sentences:
| If/when + Present simple Base Verb = Present Simple “If this, then that” |
In this sense, the result is bound to happen or it generally happens. For instance,
- If the water is heated to 100 degrees Celcius, then it will boil.
Now, you can see that this sentence is a fact. It cannot be false or anything.
However, there are different ways in which you can express the Zero Conditionals
| If + Present Simple = Present SimpleOr Present Simple = If + Present Simple |
Examples of Type Zero Conditional Sentences
| Note: You will see in the example that, you do not need to use a comma to separate two different parts of the sentence. |
- 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 you heat ice, it melts.
- Ice melts if you heat it.
- When you heat ice, it melts.
- Ice melts when you heat it.
- If it rains, the grass gets wet.
- The grass gets wet if it rains.
- When it rains, the grass gets wet.
- The grass gets wet when it rains.
- If you freeze water, it becomes solid.
- Plants die if they don’t get enough water.
- If my husband has a cold, I usually catch it.
- If public transport is efficient, people stop using their cars.
- If you mix red and blue, you get purple.
- If Bill phones, tell him to meet me at the cinema.
- Ask Pete if you’re not sure what to do.
- If you want to come, call me before 5:00.
- Meet me here if we get separated.
Conclusion:
As you might have understood that learning Zero Conditionals is the best way to improve English speaking as well as writing skills. You can easily help yourself to gain insights into the Zero Conditional concept. Englishbix will help you if you have any doubts regarding English concepts.
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