Zero Conditional

Zero Conditional

1. ¿What is zero conditional?

   • It is a grammatical structure that is used to talk about general truths or about situations that are real and possible.

2. Structure

   • It is composed of two clausules
     • The order od’s the two sentences the make up the conditional structure can be change. If we start with the if condition, we will separate them with a comma, if we start with the sentence that expresses the result, then we won´t punt a comma.
     • Condition clause
       • If + subject + present simple
     • Result caluse
       • Subject + present simple

3. Zero conditional affirmative

   • Conditional zero in affirmative sentences is formed using the simple present in both caluses.
   • Its structure
     • If + subject + present simple + subject + present simple
     • Example
       • If you mix red and yellow, you get orange.
       • If the sun sets, it gets dark.

4. Zero conditional negative

   • In negative sentences in zero conditional, it is necessary to use the auxiliary do/does.
   • Its structure
     • If + subject + do not/ does not + verb in infinitive + subject + do not/ does not + verb in infinitive
     • Example
       • If the temperature is below zero, water doesn’t turn into steam.

5. ¿When is the comma used?

   • A comma must be added when your sentence begins with the condition, that is, with “if”.

6. Zero conditional interrogative

   • An interrogative particle and an auxiliary particle must be used.
   • Its structure
     • If + subject + verb in infinitive / simple present, + wh- + Auxiliary + subject + simple present + ?
     • Example
       • If you don’t study, do you fail the test?
       • If you press this button, does the machine start?

7. Used

   • To talk about scientific laws, general truths, and to give instructions.