The real conditional
Mr Brume
🔹 DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ZERO AND FIRST CONDITIONAL
Zero Conditional = General Truths / Facts
01 -Talks about things that are always true (scientific facts, rules,
habits).
-Not about the future, but about things that happen every time the
condition is met.
First Conditional = Real Future Possibilities
02 -Talks about things that are possible in the future if the condition
happens.
-Not always true, but likely to happen.
🌱 ZERO CONDITIONAL (ALWAYS TRUE – FACTS, RULES,
ROUTINES)
We use zero conditional to talk about things that are Examples:
always true when the condition happens. If you heat water, it boils.
Form: = Water boils if you heat it.
👉 If + Present Simple, Present Simple
👉 Present Simple, if + Present Simple (reversed, If I’m tired, I go to bed early.
same meaning) = I go to bed early if I’m tired.
⚡ Key idea: cause and effect that is always true.
🌱 FIRST CONDITIONAL (REAL FUTURE – POSSIBLE
SITUATIONS)
We use first conditional to talk about things Examples:
that are possible or likely in the future. If it rains tomorrow, I’ll stay home.
Form: = I’ll stay home if it rains tomorrow.
👉 If + Present Simple, will + Base Verb
👉 Will + Base Verb, if + Present Simple If you study, you will pass the exam.
(reversed, same meaning) = You will pass the exam if you study.
⚡ Key idea: real future possibility (not guaranteed)
🧠REMEMBER:
Never use will in the if clause.
❌❌❌
If you will go to the university, you will learn.
Jf you go to the university, you will learn.✔️✔️✔️
💡 TIP TO REMEMBER:
Zero Conditional = Facts (always true)
First Conditional = Future (possible/likely)
❓ ZERO CONDITIONAL IN QUESTIONS
We use it for general facts or rules.
Question examples:
What happens if you heat water? (It boils.)
What do you do if you are sick? (I stay in bed.)
Where does the teacher go if the class is finished? (She goes to the
office.)
⚡ The answer is always true — it happens every time.
❓ FIRST CONDITIONAL IN QUESTIONS
We use it for real future possibilities.
Question examples:
What will you do if it rains tomorrow? (I’ll stay home.)
Who will you call if you have a problem? (I’ll call my best friend.)
Where will you go if you pass the exam? (I’ll go to university.)
⚡ The answer is about the future, and it is possible but not 100% sure.
CTICE!!
T’S PRA
LE
🟢👉 PART 1: ZERO CONDITIONAL (FACTS, RULES)
Complete the sentences. Use the present simple.
1. If you heat ice, it ______ (melt).
2. If students are late, the teacher ______ (get) angry.
3. If babies are hungry, they ______ (cry).
4. If you press the red button, the machine ______ (stop).
5. If the sun goes down, it ______ (get) dark.
Extra Question Practice:
What happens if you don’t drink water for a long time?
What do you usually do if you are bored?
🔵 PART 2: FIRST CONDITIONAL (REAL FUTURE POSSIBILITIES)
👉 Complete the sentences. Use will + base verb in the result.
1. If it rains tomorrow, we ______ (stay) at home.
2. If you study hard, you ______ (pass) the exam.
3. If I see Ana, I ______ (tell) her the secret.
4. If they don’t hurry, they ______ (miss) the bus.
5. If you eat too much, you ______ (feel) sick.
Extra Question Practice:
What will you do if you forget your homework?
Where will you go if you have a free day tomorrow?
🌀 PART 3: MIXED PRACTICE (ZERO OR FIRST?)
👉 Choose Zero or First Conditional and complete.
1. If water ______ (reach) 100°C, it ______ (boil).
2. If the teacher gives a test tomorrow, we ______ (study) tonight.
3. If you don’t eat breakfast, you ______ (be) hungry later.
4. If people don’t sleep, they ______ (be) tired.
5. If I don’t call you tonight, you ______ (worry).
Thank You
See you next time!
