If the switch closes, the amber lamp glows. If the courier arrives tomorrow, we will unload the van. Both sentences connect a condition to a result. The first describes a repeated rule; the second considers one possible future situation.
01 / CONDITION AND RESULT
Choose the meaning, then the pattern
A zero conditional can describe what regularly happens under a condition, including a routine or a person's habit. A first conditional can describe a future situation the speaker treats as possible. A future result depends on the condition; it is not a promise that the condition will happen.
| Meaning | Common pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Repeated rule or routine | if + present simple → present simple | If the switch closes, the amber lamp glows. |
| Possible future situation | if + present simple → will + base verb | If the courier arrives tomorrow, we will unload the van. |
Keep the two clauses clear
In the common future pattern, use a present-simple form in the condition: if the courier arrives. Use will with a base verb in the result: we will unload, not we will unloads.
For a negative condition, match do or does to its subject: If the ferry doesn't sail tomorrow, we will take the hill road. A negative result can use won't + base verb. These are two useful patterns to practise; English conditionals also have other forms.
You can change the clause order
If the mechanic finishes tonight, we will test the cart tomorrow. We will test the cart tomorrow if the mechanic finishes tonight. The condition and result stay the same when the whole clauses change places.
A condition placed first is normally followed by a comma. With the result first, a comma is normally unnecessary.
Use context, not a single signal word
A date such as tomorrow helps set a future context, but the task still needs a clear meaning. A present-simple result and a will-result can both be grammatical while presenting different readings.
In a repeated routine, if and when can often introduce the same condition: If the indicator lights, staff record the result. When the indicator lights, staff record the result. This routine example does not make the two words interchangeable in every sentence.
02 / YOUR TURN
Eight questions to try
Read the context and instruction. Some tasks ask for a particular pattern; others ask you to select every valid answer.
A workshop rulebook describes what the test lamp does every time the switch closes.
Complete the zero-conditional pattern with a present-simple result.
If the switch closes, the amber lamp ___.
Answer and explanation
Answer: B
glows
The singular subject “the amber lamp” takes glows in this present-simple pattern. Will glow is also grammatical, but it gives a will-result rather than the present/present pattern requested here.
A delivery may reach the depot tomorrow. You are describing the team's plan if it does.
Complete the common first-conditional pattern with will + base verb.
If the delivery reaches the depot tomorrow, we ___ the parcels.
Answer and explanation
Answer: A
will collect
Will is followed by the base verb collect. The sentence presents collecting as the result of a possible future arrival.
The gardener may find damage during tomorrow's inspection. The team will mark any affected tree.
Use a present-simple condition in this first-conditional pattern.
If the gardener ___ a damaged branch tomorrow, we will mark the tree.
Answer and explanation
Answer: C
notices
The gardener is singular, so the present-simple condition uses notices. Tomorrow gives the future context even though this if-clause has a present form.
The mechanic may finish the repair tonight. Testing the cart tomorrow depends on that repair being finished.
Select every sentence that preserves this condition and result. Whole clauses may change places.
Answer and explanation
Accepted answers: A + C
If the mechanic finishes the repair tonight, we will test the cart tomorrow. / We will test the cart tomorrow if the mechanic finishes the repair tonight.
The first and third sentences keep finishing the repair as the condition and testing as the result. The middle sentence is grammatical as a different conditional, but it swaps which event is presented as the condition.
WHEN YOU’RE READY
Explore Syntax Citadel
Open GrammarRift, choose Try a guest descent, then Grammar dungeons → Enter Syntax Citadel. A new school run starts at stage 1. Its zero-and-first-conditional family is in stage 3 through progression, alongside other families; a separate zero-conditional family appears in stage 2. The link opens the game entry. Guest progress stays on this device.
Explore Syntax CitadelTry a guest descent → Grammar dungeons → Enter Syntax Citadel. Starts stage1; combined target family stage3, through mixed progression.
KEEP PRACTISING
Four more to try
Tomorrow's ferry may not sail. The hill road is the alternative if that happens.
Complete the negative present-simple condition.
If the ferry ___ tomorrow, we will take the hill road.
Answer and explanation
Answer: B
doesn't sail
The singular subject the ferry takes doesn't + base verb sail. The negative condition is about the ferry not sailing; the result says what the travellers will do then.
Mina describes her usual routine: “If I have a late shift, I take the shuttle.” For tomorrow's possible shift she says: “If I have a late shift tomorrow, I will take the shuttle.”
Choose the description that matches these stated readings.
Answer and explanation
Answer: C
The first describes her repeated routine; the second gives a result for one possible future shift.
The context presents the present/present sentence as Mina's routine and the present/will sentence as her plan for a possible shift tomorrow. Neither conditional, by itself, says that tomorrow's late shift is certain.
The museum may close early tomorrow. You are checking sentence forms; either visiting the garden or deciding not to visit it could be someone's plan.
Select every grammatically well-formed will/won't result. Opposite plans are allowed.
If the museum closes early tomorrow, we ___.
Answer and explanation
Accepted answers: A + B
will visit the garden / won't visit the garden
Both will visit and won't visit use the base verb visit. They express opposite plans, and both are allowed by the instruction. Will visited has the wrong verb form after will.
Every time a test indicator lights, staff record the result. Describe this repeated routine.
Select every sentence that expresses the stated routine with a present-simple condition and result.
Answer and explanation
Accepted answers: A + B
If the indicator lights, staff record the result. / When the indicator lights, staff record the result.
In this repeated routine, both if and when can introduce the condition. The singular indicator takes lights. The form light does not agree with that singular subject in this present-simple clause.
