Always True or Maybe Tomorrow?
Zero conditional vs first conditional: always true → if + present, present. A real chance → if + present, will. Learn the difference in one song. Level B1 (intermediate), for teenagers and adults learning English.
Zero conditional
Always true, every time (if + present simple, present simple)
“If I drink coffee late, I can't sleep.”
First conditional
A real chance, this time (if + present simple, will)
“If I drink this now, I'll be up all night!”
New song · out on YouTube
Mon 12 Oct, 16:00 UK
The grammar
if + present → present · always true, every time
Use it when: always true, every time (if + present simple, present simple).
if + present → will · one real chance, later
Use it when: a real chance, this time (if + present simple, will).
Every time or this time?
Always → if + present, present · This time → if + present, will
Rent and work
A rule that's always true → present · One real chance → will
Questions and when
What happens if …? · What will you do if …? · Always true: if = when
The rule
Always true → present, present · Maybe tomorrow → present, then will
See you again
Songs get stuck in your head · Play it tonight, you'll remember!
Practice
Always true, or a real chance this time? Choose the most natural form.
1.If I drink coffee after dinner, I sleep, it's true.
2.If I drink this now, I up the whole night through!
3.If I go shopping hungry, I everything I see.
4.If we go to the shops tonight, I first, trust me!
5.If you don't pay your rent, the landlord a letter.
6.If I pay it all tomorrow, I so much better!
7.What happens if you text him first? He never you back!
8.If it's sunny on Saturday, we out there till dark!
0 of 8 answered
Your turn
Answer with the zero conditional: if + present, present:"If I drink coffee late, I can't sleep!"
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