Zero Conditional Vs First Conditional

Look at the two sentences below. Which one describes something which is always true?

Zero Conditional:
If you heat water to 100°C, it boils.

First Conditional:
If you heat water to 100°C, it will boil.

Correct! We use Present Simple in both clauses to state a scientific fact, which is the Zero Conditional.

Not quite. This sentence makes a prediction about a specific future event. Try again!

Now, which of these sentences describes a possible future event and its likely result?

Zero Conditional:
If it rains, the ground gets wet.

First Conditional:
If it rains tomorrow, we will cancel the picnic.

Exactly! We are talkings about a specific future possibility and its consequence, which is the First Conditional.

Think again. This sentence describes a general truth (what always happens when it rains).

Look at the ‘if’ clause in these sentences:

What tense is used in the ‘if’ clause for both conditionals?

Correct! Both conditionals use the Present Simple in the ‘if’ clause.

Not quite. Look at the examples again.

Look at the main clauses in these sentences:

What is the difference in the main clause between the Zero and First Conditional?

Exactly! The main clause of the Zero Conditional is in the Present Simple, while the First Conditional uses the Future Simple with ‘will’.

That’s the opposite. Try again!

You’ve Discovered The Rules!

ZERO CONDITIONAL

Use: General truths, facts, and scientific laws.

Structure: If + Present Simple, …Present Simple.

Example: “If you heat water to 100 degrees, it boils.”

FIRST CONDITIONAL

Use: Real and possible situations in the future.

Structure: If + Present Simple, …will + base verb.

Example: “If it rains tomorrow, we will stay inside.”

Can you identify which conditional is being used in each sentence?