Conditionals

Zero and first conditionals for facts and real possibilities

Introduction

Conditional sentences express "if...then" relationships. At the basic level, you'll learn two types: the Zero Conditional for facts and general truths, and the First Conditional for real future possibilities.

The Zero Conditional describes things that are always true: "If you heat water, it boils." The First Conditional describes possible future situations: "If it rains, I will stay home."

These two conditionals cover most real-world "if" situations and provide the foundation for the hypothetical conditionals you'll learn later.

Themes

All Grammar (Basic) in This Chapter (7)

• Zero Conditional Describes general truths and scientific facts (if + present, present)
• First Conditional Describes possible future situations (if + present, will + verb)
• if vs when Choosing between 'if' and 'when' in conditionals
• unless Means 'if not' or 'except if'
• When / As soon as (future) Using present tense for future in time clauses
• unless (Basic) Meaning 'if not' or 'except if'
• when + Present (for Future) Using present tense after 'when' for future events