What is Zero Conditional | Rules and Examples
Zero conditional is formed in a sentence when we need to explain some facts, events, occasions which are true. In general, both cause and effects are mentioned in a sentence with simple present tense for zero conditional. The sentences with zero conditional are used quite often in English language. It is an essential part of writing any text over English language with present tense. The present article will describe about zero conditional elaborately for enhancing students’ knowledge over it. They should follow the article completely to overview the application rules and practicing regularly for being efficient with zero conditional. With detain explanation about zero conditional students will grasp the knowledge completely which make them confident to use zero conditional at time of spoken and written communication.
Zero conditional is also called present real condition as simple present tense is used in this case only. It is easy to use in any kind of sentence to express opinions and feelings for being in present tense. In zero conditional two clauses are linked into a single sentence in simple form. From the two clauses one clause is in if clause and the main clause is also in present tense. So, the structure will be if clause+ verb present form, main clause+ verb present form. In the form of conditional two actions are occurred at the same time followed by each other. For that it is always mandatory to keep both clauses in simple present tense.
Examples
If students cannot reach on time, they cannot attend the exam.
If it is cloudy, bring an umbrella with you.
If I boil water at 100 degrees, it vapours.
If a student misses an exam, the teacher fails him.
Rules of Zero Conditional
To use zero conditional properly students must look at the rules first. By viewing the rules students will be able to understand the different purposes of using zero conditional. Different linkers and verbs are also significantly used for zero conditional sentences. The definite rules are explained below:
i) At first if clause in used in present tense, then main clause comes which is also in present tense.
Ex.
If it is sunny, make sure to use sunscreen.
If we freezes water, it becomes ice.
ii) In reverse structure, if clause comes in second place then there is no need to place comma within the sentence.
Ex.
The teacher scolds the students if they forget to do their homework.
I get tired if I work heavily all day.
iii) When we give any advice and instruction through zero conditional, moral and imperative can be used in the main clause. In this kind of sentence if can be replaced by when without changing the meaning of the sentence.
Ex.
If I reach late for dinner, then you start eating without me.
iv) Unless is a negative word which is used in zero conditional for referring negative meaning.
Ex.
Unless he feels sorry, refuse to work with him.
Go to the doctor immediately unless you feel better today.
v) Zero conditional is always applicable in the sentences which express any event, scientific facts, things which are true indeed.
Ex.
If public transport is easily available, people stop using personal cars.
If you cross the limits, life becomes miserable.
FAQs:
1.) When to use zero conditional?
Answer. Zero conditional is used to present both actions in simple present tense irrespective of facts and events.
2.) What is the simple structure of zero conditional?
Answer. The simple structure of zero conditional for all common sentences is if clause+ simple present tense, main clause+ simple present tense.
For more update follow net explanations page