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Zero Conditional

The zero conditional is a way to talk about general truths and scientific facts in the present or future.

A2Conditionals & Hypotheticals

What is the zero conditional?

The zero conditional is a way to talk about general truths and scientific facts in the present or future.

  • The formation pattern is if + present simple, + present simple, used to talk about things that are always true.
  • We use if to introduce the condition, and present simple to describe the action that follows, because it is a general or universal truth.

When do we use the zero conditional?

  • Simple and universal truths, like water freezes if it gets to 0 degrees Celsius.
  • We use it to express habits or actions that are always true, like cats purr if they are happy.
  • Scientific facts, like plants grow if they have enough water and sunlight.

Examples of the zero conditional

  • If you heat water, it boils.
  • People sleep if they are tired.
  • Water freezes if it gets to 0 degrees Celsius.
  • If you drop something, it falls.
  • Cats purr if they are happy.
  • If you don't eat, you get hungry

Common mistakes

  • Wrong: If I will be tired, I will sleep. Correct: If I am tired, I sleep.
  • Wrong: Water freeze if it get to 0 degrees Celsius. Correct: Water freezes if it gets to 0 degrees Celsius.
  • Wrong: If it is hot, icecream will melt tomorrow. Correct: If it is hot, icecream melts.

Tip for remembering the zero conditional

if + present simple, + present simple pattern to express it.

Quick check
Water _____ when it is heated to 100 degrees Celsius.

Where this matters in your exam

In IELTS, the zero conditional is tested in tasks like Writing Task 2, to express general truths or scientific facts, and in the speaking section, to discuss habitual actions or universal truths.

  • Writing Task 2

    To express general truths or scientific facts in your essays.

  • Speaking Part 1

    To discuss habitual actions or universal truths in your conversation.