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Grammar 33 - Conditionals - Zero
"If a traffic light changes to red, motorists must stop." - This is a zero conditional sentence.

Grammar 33 - Conditionals - Zero

So far in our High English grammar quizzes on conditional sentences we have looked at three types – probable, hypothetical and impossible conditionals. We have examined these in relation to the subjects we have used in sentences. Is it possible to generalise and not impose conditions? Yes it is, and such conditionals are called zero conditionals.

Zero conditionals apply to general truths. In nature we have seen plants grow. What happens if they don’t get enough sunlight? The plants wither. We can express this general truth in the following manner:

‘If a plant does not get enough sunlight, it withers.’ Alternatively, we can express it like this:
‘A plant withers if it does not get enough sunlight.’ We can also use the word 'when' like so:
‘When a plant does not get enough sunlight, it withers.’

More often than not zero conditional sentences are used to express factual consequences of a condition, rather than probable, hypothetical or impossible conditions. As you would expect, there are rules of grammar governing the use of zero conditionals. The form that zero conditional sentences take is ‘If + Present Simple + Present Simple.’

Zero conditional sentences can be in the positive: "Ice melts if it is in the sun."
They can be in the negative: "Ice does not melt if it is not in the sun."
They can also be in the form of a question: "Does ice melt if it is in the sun?"

Zero conditionals can be categorised based on their uses. Here are some examples::

Rules - "Don’t drive if you drink."
General truths or scientific facts - "If you lower the temperature of water to zero degrees Celsius, it freezes."
Routine actions - "The umpire declares a four when the ball crosses the boundary."
Cause and effect - "If you turn the switch to the on position, the bulb lights up."

As we have seen from the examples given above, zero conditionals are useful when you want to make generalisations, when you want to communicate something factual or when something is applicable to a large number of people. Take the High English grammar quiz that follows and learn more about zero conditionals.

1.
Choose from the following options the sentence that is a zero conditional sentence.
I wearing my rain coat if it rains.
I wear my rain coat if it raining.
I wore my rain coat if it rains.
I wear my rain coat if it rains.
Remember, the form zero conditional sentences take is 'If + Present Simple + Present Simple.’ Also, we can begin the sentence with the main clause in which case we do not use the comma. One of the clauses in each of the other options is not in present simple tense
2.
Choose from the following options the sentence that is a zero conditional sentence.
If you regularly oil the moving parts in a machine, it functions well.
If you board a moving bus, the law will punish you.
If Trupti was given a high appraisal rating, she would get promoted.
He wouldn't have broken his mobile phone if he had not dropped it.
Remember, the form zero conditional sentences take is 'If + Present Simple + Present Simple.' Option 2 is a probable conditional sentence. Option 3 is a hypothetical conditional sentence. Option 4 is an impossible conditional sentence
3.
Choose from the following options the sentence that is a zero conditional sentence.
If you throwing a piece of wood into water, it floats.
If you throw a piece of wood into water, it floating.
If you throw a piece of wood into water, it float.
If you throw a piece of wood into water, it floats.
Remember, the form zero conditional sentences take is 'If + Present Simple + Present Simple.’ Note that the sentence is a zero conditional sentence applicable to a scientific fact. One of the clauses in each of the other options is not in present simple tense
4.
Choose from the following options the sentence that is a zero conditional sentence.
Does water reacting if it is mixed with oil?
Does water react if it is mixing with oil?
Does water reacts if it is mixed with oil?
Does water react if it is mixed with oil?
Remember, the form zero conditional sentences take is 'If + Present Simple + Present Simple.’ Note that the sentence is a zero conditional sentence asking a question. Also, note the sentence begins with the main clause and that is why we do not use the comma. One of the clauses in each of the other options is not in present simple tense
5.
Choose from the following options the sentence that is a zero conditional sentence.
If you enter a temple, you must taking your footwear off.
If you entering a temple, you must take your footwear off.
If you enter a temple, you must take your footwear off.
If you enter a temple, you must takes your footwear off.
Remember, the form zero conditional sentences take is 'If + Present Simple + Present Simple.’ Note that the sentence is a zero conditional sentence applicable to rules or convention. One of the clauses in each of the other options is not in present simple tense
6.
Choose from the following options the sentence that is a zero conditional sentence.
If the traffic light changing to red, motorists have to halt.
If the traffic light changes to red, motorists have to halting.
If the traffic light changes to red, motorists have to halt.
If the traffic light change to red, motorists have to halt.
Remember, the form zero conditional sentences take is 'If + Present Simple + Present Simple.’ Note that the sentence is a zero conditional sentence applicable to a rule or instruction. One of the clauses in each of the other options is not in present simple tense
7.
Choose from the following options the sentence that is a zero conditional sentence.
If the power is shut off, the microwave oven does not work.
If the power is shutting off, the microwave oven does not work.
If the power is shut off, the microwave oven do not work.
If the power is shut off, the microwave oven does not working.
Remember, the form zero conditional sentences take is 'If + Present Simple + Present Simple.’ One of the clauses in each of the other options is not in present simple tense
8.
Choose from the following options the sentence that is a zero conditional sentence.
The car stops when you depress the brake pedal.
The car stop when you depress the brake pedal.
The car stopping when you depress the brake pedal.
The car stops when you depressing the brake pedal.
Remember, the form zero conditional sentences take is 'If + Present Simple + Present Simple.’ Note that the sentence is a zero conditional sentence applicable to a situation where cause and effect is shown. Also, note that we have used 'when' instead of 'if.' One of the clauses in each of the other options is not in present simple tense
9.
Choose from the following options the sentence that is a zero conditional sentence.
An earthquake happens when the tectonic plates of the Earth's crust moves.
An earthquake happens when the tectonic plates of the Earth's crust move.
An earthquake happening when the tectonic plates of the Earth's crust move.
An earthquake happens when the tectonic plates of the Earth's crust moving.
Remember, the form zero conditional sentences take is 'If + Present Simple + Present Simple.’ Also, we can use 'when' in place of 'if' in certain circumstances. One of the clauses in each of the other options is not in present simple tense
10.
Choose from the following options the sentence that is a zero conditional sentence.
If you do not sleeping well, you feel drowsy next day.
If you do not sleep well, you feel drowsy next day.
If you does not sleep well, you feel drowsy next day.
If you do not sleep well, you feeling drowsy next day.
Remember, the form zero conditional sentences take is 'If + Present Simple + Present Simple.’ Note that the sentence is a negative zero conditional sentence. One of the clauses in each of the other options is not in present simple tense
Author:  V T Narendra

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