English Conditional Sentences, If Clauses Type 0, Zero Conditional
If clauses are conditional statements. In some cases, they are divided into type 0, type1, type2 and type3. The characteristic that distinguishes these types is time differences.
Sentences of type 0, consist of two clauses. One of them is the basic sentence and the other is the condition sentence. The basic sentence refer to the action that can occur when the condition is fulfilled. That’s mean it expresses the result. Starting a sentence with a basic sentence does not change the meaning.
However, if you start with the condition statement, comma is used when switching to the base statement. In Type 0, the present simple tense is used in the basic clause and condition clause. Depending on a condition, it is always used to express the actual facts or scientific facts. It is also used in cases such as cause-effect and advice, orders.
Sentence Structure
Usage 1
IF / Simple Present / (,) /Simple Present
- If people eat too much, they get fat fastly.
For example, as shown in the example above, it is a fact that eating too much can cause weight problems. This is a valid problem for everyone. Therefore, present simple tense is used in both sentences. (Type0)
Usage 2
Simple Present Tense /IF/ Simple Present Tense
- You get sick if you dress thin clothes in cold weather.
As you can see in this example, every person who gets dressed in cold weather gets sick. This is an inevitable fact. Therefore, type 0 is used.
Examples of “Type 0”
- If you don’t brush your teeth regularly, your teeth decays.
- If you make a cake, you firstly break eggs.
- If you throw salt to the water, it boils later.
- If you don’t get your key, you stays out.
- Baby wakes up if we make too much noise.
- If he is available, ask him to call me.
- If he phones, tell him to wait me in the garden.
- If you press the button, the television turns on.
- Do not wait for me, if i am late to presentation.
- If he gets there before me, ask him to wait.
- If you don’t talk to me, talk to your psychologist.
- If water reaches 100 degrees, it boils.
