اللغة الإنجليزية — Conditional Sentences: Zero and First Conditional — الثالثة متوسط — المنهاج الجزائري

Conditional Sentences: Zero and First Conditional

Conditional sentences express that one action depends on another. This lesson covers the zero conditional (general truths) and the first conditional (real future possibilities).

Zero Conditional

Use: For general truths, scientific facts, and habits. The result is always true.

Structure: If + present simple, present simple.

• If you heat ice, it melts.
• If I am tired, I go to bed early.
• If it rains, the ground gets wet.

First Conditional

Use: For real and possible situations in the future. The condition is likely to happen.

Structure: If + present simple, will + base verb.

• If you study hard, you will pass the exam.
• If it rains tomorrow, we will stay at home.
• If she arrives early, I will meet her at the station.

Important Notes

• In first conditional, the “if” clause uses present simple (NOT will).
• The main clause uses will/can/may/might + base verb.
• You can start with “If” or the main clause: “I will help you if you ask me.”

Exercises

1. Complete: “If you ________ (mix) red and blue, you ________ (get) purple.” (zero)
2. Complete: “If she ________ (study) hard, she ________ (get) good marks.” (first)
3. Write 2 zero conditional and 2 first conditional sentences about your life.

See also Future Forms and Modal Verbs for related grammar.