Learning English

Which conditional do you use, if you want to get it right?

Now that you've had a look at the form of the zero and first conditionals, let's think about choosing the right one to use.

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Facts

When we talk about things that are considered as facts, we use the zero conditional. We also use this form for things that we believe are always true.

When you take exercise, your heart beats faster.
If I drink milk, I get stomachache.

And we can use if or when with the same meaning:

If you take exercise, your heart beats faster.
When I drink milk, I get stomachache.

Possibilities

If we want to talk about something which might happen as the result of an action or situation, we use the first conditional. We use if for things which are likely to happen and when for things which are more certain to happen.

If I see Freddy later, I’ll give him the book. (I’m not certain I’ll see him.)
When I see Freddy later, I’ll give him the book. (I’m certain I’ll see him.)

If we go to the beach, I’ll take my swimsuit. (It isn’t certain we’ll go to the beach.)
When we go to the beach, I’ll take my swimsuit. (It is certain we’ll go to the beach.)

Changes in meaning

Be careful! Sometimes you can use the zero or first conditional and both sentences sound acceptable and are grammatically correct. But which conditional form you use changes the meaning of the sentence and the context you're using it in. Take a look at the two examples in the picture.

If you sit in the sun too long, you get burned. (Zero conditional)
If you sit in the sun too long, you will get burned. (First conditional)

In this case, it is important to think about what you are trying to say. Is it something that is generally true - like the zero conditional sentence? Or is it something that is the result of an action or situation - like the first conditional sentence? Here is an explanation.

If you sit in the sun too long, you get burned. (This is something that is generally true - too much sun gives people sunburn.)
If you sit in the sun too long, you will get burned. (This is the possible result of an action - like you are giving a friend some advice about being in the sun too long.)

To do

Right! Here is a quiz to test how well you understand the use of the zero and first conditionals. Can you work out which to use?

Next

Your knowledge of zero and first conditional form and meaning should be pretty good now! And if you keep studying this session, you will find 6 Minute Grammar! It's in the next activity - Neil, Catherine and Finn will help you make sense of all your conditional learning.