Zero/First conditional

Zero and first conditional

Conditionals in English, as in Spanish, are composed of two juxtaposed sentences. One of them will be introduced by the IF particle (yes) and represents the condition that must be given to make it happen in the second sentence. Therefore the structure will look like this:

(IF + CONDITION) + (RESULT)

(RESULT) + (IF + CONDITION)

As we see, the order of sentences does not affect the result. We can start with the If prayer or with the result prayer. The difference between the different conditionals is found in the verb tense that we will use in each sentence.

IF can be substituted by WHEN (cuando) or UNLESS (a menos que)

ZERO CONDICIONAL:

(IF + O. PRESENTE SIMPLE)  + (O. PRESENTE SIMPLE)

Ej: If you heat ice, it melts       (Si calientas hielo, se derrite)

We use the zero conditional to express absolute truths, when the condition ALWAYS appears the result. It is a FACT, therefore, we are not thinking about what has already happened, nor whether it will happen in the future.

FIRST CONDICIONAL:

(IF + O. PRESENTE SIMPLE) + (O. FUTURO CON WILL)

Ej: If it rains, I will stay at home    (Si llueve, me quedaré en casa.)

In this first conditional we are talking about a condition that can occur in the FUTURE and the result of that condition. There is a REAL POSSIBILITY that the condition occurs, and therefore that the result is given. Whenever the condition happens, the result will be fulfilled.

In some occasions we can use CAN or MAY instead of WILL. For example: If you are good today, you can watch tv tonight.