If: The 0 Conditional

1. What is the 0 conditional?

The 0 conditional is an ‘if’ phrase for relationships that are always true.

This means if x happens, y always happens.

Generally, this relationship is ’cause and effect’, meaning x makes y happen.

2. How to make the 0 conditional

To make the 0 conditional, use:

  • if clause (if + present tense) + present tense clause
If clause
(if + present tense)
Present tense clauseExample sentence
if it gets hotice meltsIf it gets hot, ice melts
if people don’t drink waterthey dieIf people don’t drink water, they die.
if you drop a rock into the oceanit sinksIf you drop a rock into the ocean, it sinks.
if you don’t cut your hairit gets longerIf you don’t cut your hair, it gets longer.

The ‘if clause’ can be placed at the start or at the end.

If the ‘if clause’ goes at the start, there is usually a comma between the two parts.
If the ‘if clause’ goes at the end, there is no need for a comma.

‘if clause’ at start‘if clause’ at end
If people don’t drink water, they die.People die if they don’t drink water.
If you drop a rock into the ocean, it sinks.A rock sinks if you drop it into the ocean.

3. Exercises

Complete the sentences using the 0 conditional:
(i) If you leave an apple if the sun for 2 weeks,…..
(ii) If you put the dog in the washing machine,…..
(iii) You are an idiot if ….