00:00Zero conditional.
00:05Conditionals are an important part of English.
00:08We use them to make predictions, to give advice, and to talk about hypothetical situations.
00:17Conditionals help us connect cause and effect.
00:21Conditionals generally use if or when to introduce conditions,
00:26but other words or phrases can also be used.
00:32There are four different types of conditional sentences.
00:37In this video, we're going to look at zero conditionals.
00:41Be sure to check out our videos on first, second, and third conditionals.
00:47You can find the links in the video description.
00:52Unlike other conditionals, zero conditional isn't used to refer to specific times.
00:59That is, we can't use it to refer to the past or the future.
01:05So, what is zero conditional used for?
01:09It's used to talk about things that always happen under certain conditions.
01:18Here's an example.
01:20If water freezes, it turns into ice.
01:25Notice it shows cause and effect.
01:29Also notice that it refers to something that always happens.
01:34When water freezes, it always turns into ice.
01:41Let's now look at the structure that makes this a zero conditional sentence.
01:47Conditionals often start with if or when.
01:51In this example, it's if.
01:55Next comes the subject.
01:58In our sentence, water is the subject.
02:02Then comes a base verb.
02:04In this case, we have freezes.
02:08The reason there is an S on freeze is because our subject, water, is third person singular.
02:18Next, we have a comma to separate our two clauses.
02:23Then we have our subject again.
02:26In this case, it's the pronoun it, which refers to the water.
02:31And finally, another base verb.
02:36In our example, that is turns.
02:39Turns into ice.
02:42Another way to think about the structure is this.
02:47If or when, followed by a present simple clause, then another present simple clause.
02:56In this sentence, the condition comes before the result.
03:02We can change the order.
03:04For example, we could say, water turns into ice if it freezes.
03:11Now, the result comes before the condition.
03:15If we do this, we don't use a comma between the clauses.
03:22Now we know the structure of zero conditionals, let's take a look at a couple more examples.
03:29If I get less than seven hours sleep, I am cranky.
03:43When the sun sets, the sky becomes dark.
03:49We know they are zero conditional because they follow this structure.
03:55If or when, followed by a clause in present simple, then a comma, then another clause in present simple.
04:06Each of these sentences refers to something that is always true.
04:12Zero conditional is used for laws, rules, scientific facts, and general truths.
04:23Now it's time to write a zero conditional sentence of your own.
04:28You might choose to write a general truth.
04:31It might be about nature.
04:33For example, if it rains, the ground becomes wet.
04:38Or it could be about the law, like this.
04:42If you drive over the speed limit, you receive a fine.
04:47Or you might like to write about a habit or routine that always leads to a certain result.
04:55For example, if I read before bed, I fall asleep faster.
05:01Or, when I skip my morning coffee, I get grumpy.
05:08Follow this structure, and remember that zero conditional is used for things that are always true.
05:16Leave your sentence in the comments below, because I'd love to see how you went.
05:24And remember, if you haven't already, check out our videos on first, second, and third conditionals using the links below.
05:33I hope to see you soon for the next lesson.
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