Zero Conditional

Zero Conditional

Start

What is a conditional?

Conditionals describe the result of a certain condition. The “if” clause tells you the condition and the main clause tells you the result. The order of the clauses does not change the meaning. Conditional sentences are often divided into different types.

Zero Conditional

Zero Conditional Use

The zero conditional is used to make statements about the real world, and often refers to general truths, such as scientific facts. In these sentences, the time is now or always and the situation is real and possible.

Form

In zero conditional sentences, the tense in both parts of the sentence is the simple present. If clause (condition) Main clause (result) If + simple present simple present If this thing happens that thing happens.

Let's start with some examples:

• 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.

Now let's find some in the following reading:

The mystery of the Red Truck By Sally Nicholls, a local reporter It has been confirmed that late on the night of the sixth of July, a large red truck ran into the bakery on Maryland Street. After an initial investigation by police, it is now clear that the truck had no driver at all. The locals are asking a simple question: “Where was the driver?” If the police want to solve this mystery, they will need the CCTV footage from the street. One of the locals said: “We’re all quite worried about a truck with no driver. This truck has never been seen in the neighbourhood before. If we’d seen that truck before, we’d solve this mystery now.” Many locals share the same concerns. They want to know what’s happening in their town.

Now let's find some in the following reading:

A witness at the crime scene told police: “There was a loud noise coming from the truck while it was going towards the building and its speed.... it was unbelievable. If it had been going slower, I would’ve had a chance to see the driver. But all I saw was the truck speeding into the bakery as fast as it could.’’ The police have already spoken with eleven other residents but no one knows any further details about the incident. Superintendent Amanda Slippers remarked: “This is a tough case. The truck licence plate belongs to this town, but nobody has seen it here. According to the town records, the owner of the truck moved away from here years ago. No one knows where to. If we located the owner, we'd probably solve this mystery.’’ If a truck moves, then it has a driver. Well, maybe we should change this basic assumption on account of this mysterious red truck.

Decide if the statements are true or false according to the text.

1. The locals knew that the red truck had an old driver. 2. The police have investigated all the people in the town. 3. The CCTV footage of the street will help the police. 4. The locals haven’t seen the truck in the town before. 5. The truck ran into the building very slowly

Listening....

Answer the following questions about the interview. 1) When she is worried, she ______. a) runs b) sleeps c) cleans 2) When he is stressed, he _____. a) runs b) eats c) cleans 3) If she has low energy, she ______ . a) sleeps b) works out c) takes vitamins 4) If he has lot energy, he _____ . a) takes vitamins b) eats vegetables c) has some fruit 5) When she is angry, she ______ . a) counts to twenty b) leaves the area c) confronts a person

Practice

Thank you!Teacher Zu