Zero Conditional - That's a Fact

In this lecture we look at the zero conditional.

We look at when to use it how it is formed.

I we give some examples we use a zero conditional to make true factual or even scientific statements about the real world or to give simple instructions zero conditional has the following format.

If plus simple present then simple present if this happens then this happens and because we’re talking about truths and statements that are universally valid we can swap the F with a when and the meaning is still correct.

And as with all conditionals the two condition or the clauses can be swapped around without change in the meaning.

But please pay attention to pronounce and punctuation to make factual statements if you hate ice it melts or when you heat ice it melts.

This is always true.

You heat ice it will melt.

This is a statement of fact similarly if people eat too much they get fat just the way it is the last example here.

If you mix blue and yellow you get green and this will always happen.

This isn’t subject to any other conditions.

The other way we use the zero conditional is to give instructions.

For example if Bob calls tell him I’ll call him back later so if he does this is what you do.

If he doesn’t call.

Don’t do anything if you’re not sure what to do.

Ask John so he’s the guy you ask if you’re unsure if you know what to do.

Carry on the last example here.

If you want to drive with us get here before 7 otherwise we’re leaving at 7.

So if you want to drive with us you need to be before then.

And that concludes the short lecture on the zero conditional.