Conditionals: Zero & First
Conditional sentences have an if-clause (the condition) and a main clause (the result). The zero and first conditionals deal with real situations.
| Type | Use | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zero | facts / always true | If + present, present | If you heat ice, it melts. |
| First | a real future possibility | If + present, will + verb | If it rains, I will stay home. |
Zero: If you mix blue and yellow, you get green.
First: If you study, you will pass.
First: I will call you if I have time.
In both, the if-clause uses the present tense. Zero = always-true facts; First = a likely future result.
Common mistake: Using "will" in the if-clause: "If it will rain…" → "If it rains, I will stay home."
✏️ Test Yourself
1. If you heat water, it ___ (boil).
2. If it rains, we ___ (stay) home.
3. If you ___ (study), you will pass.
4. Ice melts if you ___ (heat) it.
📒 Words to learn
Meaning — A sudden loud noise; to make a loud noise.
“I heard a bang when the door slammed shut.”
Meaning — Plump and rounded.
“The chubby puppy waddled over to me with excitement.”
Meaning — A soft, wet, shapeless mass of material.
“After squeezing the juice, the orange left a pulpy mess on the table.”
Meaning — A feeling of self-consciousness or shame.
“Tripping in front of everyone caused me great embarrassment.”
Meaning — Serving as a typical example of something.
“"Pride and Prejudice" is a paradigmatic novel that explores social issues of its time.”