Conditional Sentences: Zero and First Types
Conditional sentences express possible or impossible situations and their consequences. The zero conditional describes universal truths, while the first conditional deals with real future possibilities.
Zero Conditional
Used for general truths, scientific facts, and situations that are always true.
If + Present Simple,
Present Simple
Примеры:
- If you heat ice, it melts.
- If people don't eat, they get hungry.
- When you mix blue and yellow, you get green.
Key Features:
- В обеих частях используется Present Simple
- Можно использовать 'when' (когда) вместо 'if' (если) без изменения смысла
- Часто используется для научных фактов, общеизвестных истин и рутинных действий
- Условие всегда приводит к результату (100% уверенность)
Первый тип условных предложений
Используется для реальных и возможных ситуаций в будущем, часто с предсказаниями, обещаниями, предупреждениями или угрозами.
If + Present Simple,
will + инфинитив без to
Примеры:
- If it rains tomorrow, we will cancel the picnic.
- If you study hard, you will pass the exam.
- Unless you hurry, you will miss the bus. (unless = если не)
Вариации:
- Modal verbs: can, may, might, should instead of will
If you finish early, you can leave.
- Imperative: For instructions or suggestions
If you feel sick, call a doctor.
- Going to future: For existing plans
If it snows, we're going to build a snowman.
Сравнение нулевого и первого типов условных предложений
| Feature | Zero Conditional | Первый тип условных предложений |
|---|---|---|
| Usage | General truths | Future possibilities |
| Condition Tense | Present Simple | Present Simple |
| Result Tense | Present Simple | will + verb |
| Certainty | 100% (always true) | Probable (likely to happen) |
Распространенные ошибки
- Using future tense in the if-clause
- Incorrect: If it will rain, we will stay home.
- Correct: If it rains, we will stay home.
- Confusing zero and first conditionals
- Incorrect: If water reaches 100°C, it will boil.
- Correct: If water reaches 100°C, it boils.
- Misplacing commas
- Incorrect: You'll succeed if you work hard.
- Correct: If you work hard, you'll succeed.