📝 Created by: El Arby Ameur | 📅 August 2026 | 🌐 lesson.tn

📊 Zero vs First Conditional: Comparison Chart

Level: A2-B1 | Topic: Choosing the correct conditional

Grammar Conditionals zero conditional first conditional comparison

Quick Comparison Table

Feature Zero Conditional First Conditional
Meaning 100% true / general truth Real possibility in the future
Time Any time (always true) Future time
Form If + present, present If + present, will + infinitive
Example If you heat ice, it melts. If it rains tomorrow, I will stay home.
Certainty 100% certain Possible / probable (not 100%)

📌 More Examples

Zero Conditional (General Truths):
• If you don't sleep, you feel tired.
• If you mix blue and yellow, you get green.
• If you drop a glass, it breaks.

First Conditional (Future Possibilities):
• If it rains tomorrow, we will cancel the picnic.
• If she studies, she will pass the exam.
• If I have time, I will visit you.
⚠️ Key Difference:
• Zero Conditional = 100% true (scientific facts, habits)
• First Conditional = Possible future events (not guaranteed)
💡 Memory Trick:
🧊 ZERO = ZERO chance of being false (always true)
🎯 FIRST = The FIRST future possibility
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