What Is the Zero Conditional?
The first conditional is for one possible future event: If it rains tomorrow, we'll stay home. The zero conditional is for things that happen every time: facts, rules and habits.
A clause is a part of a sentence with its own subject and verb. A conditional has an if clause and a result clause.
A FACTEvery time, no will
The result is the same every day.
If you mix red and yellow, you get orange.
A HABITIf is close to when here
If my cat is hungry, she wakes me up at five.
Zero conditional: if + present simple, present simple.
TRY IT
- Question 1
"If I eat too much rice, I blank sleepy."
What Does Unless Mean?
Unless means if … not. It works in zero and first conditionals.
UNLESS AT THE START
UnlessS + present simple,result
Unless you hurry, you'll miss the bus.
= If you don't hurry, you'll miss the bus.
UNLESS IN THE MIDDLE
resultunlessS + present simple
You can't enter the museum unless you have a ticket.
No comma.
The not is already inside. Unless you call me = If you don't call me.
Like if, unless uses the present simple for the future: I'll go to the beach tomorrow unless it rains.
TRY IT
- Question 1
"You won't get a seat blank early."
When to use it
Instructions
If the screen goes black, press this button.
The result can be an order. Common in guides and at work.
Shop rules
You can't return clothes unless you have the receipt.
A shop assistant explains the rules.
Plans with a condition
I'll see you at seven unless I have to work late.
Say what could change the plan.
Zero or First Conditional?
| ZERO | FIRST | |
|---|---|---|
| About | every time | one real situation coming up |
| Example | If I drink coffee at night, I can't sleep. | If I drink this coffee now, I won't sleep tonight. |
TRY IT
- Question 1
"My phone is at 5%. If I don't charge it now, it blank off before the end of the meeting."
Common mistakes
Incorrect:Unless you don't study, you will fail.
Correct:Unless you study, you'll fail.
Unless already means not. Don't makes it negative twice.
Incorrect:Unless it will rain, we'll have the party outside.
Correct:Unless it rains, we'll have the party outside.
No will after unless, even about the future.
Incorrect:If you heat ice, it melt.
Correct:If you heat ice, it melts.
After it, the present simple verb adds -s.
Incorrect:If you will need help, call me.
Correct:If you need help, call me.
No will in the if clause, even in instructions.
Quick check · 5 questions
Choose the correct form:
If you press this button, the door opens.
- A. press — Correct
- B. will press
- C. pressed
Answer: A. press
Both clauses use the present simple: press, opens.
Choose the correct word:
You can't use the gym unless you're a member.
- A. unless — Correct
- B. if
- C. when
Answer: A. unless
If you aren't a member, you can't use it. If and when say the opposite.
Choose the correct word:
If you have a fever, stay at home and rest.
- A. If — Correct
- B. Unless
Answer: A. If
Unless would mean: stay at home when you don't have a fever.
Choose the correct form:
I'll be there at eight unless the traffic is bad.
- A. is — Correct
- B. will be
- C. isn't
Answer: A. is
No will after unless. It already means not, so no isn't.
Choose the correct form:
Huy's train arrives at six. If it's late today, he will call us.
- A. will call — Correct
- B. calls
Answer: A. will call
This is about today's train, not every train. Use will.
See whether it really stuck.
Start the quiz · 14 questions