B1 · Intermédiaire Chapitre 14

Talking About Facts and Constant Truths

5 Règles totales
60 exemples
6 min
Règles dans ce chapitre Pratique rapide

Chapter in 30 Seconds

Master the art of stating facts and universal truths with confidence.

  • Use the zero conditional to describe natural laws.
  • Explain daily routines and personal habits clearly.
  • Distinguish between certainty and future possibilities.
Speak with the certainty of truth.

Ce que tu vas apprendre

Ready to talk about the world in a super clear way? This chapter will show you how to confidently share general truths and everyday habits. You'll master when to use 'if' versus 'when' for these constant facts, making your English even more precise.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this chapter, you will be able to:

  1. 1
    By the end you will be able to: Formulate sentences describing scientific facts using the zero conditional.

Guide du chapitre

Overview

Ready to elevate your B1 English grammar and speak with more precision about the world around you? This chapter is your go-to guide for English talking about facts and constant truths. As you navigate everyday situations and travel, you'll often need to explain how things work, describe routines, or state universal laws.
Mastering this skill isn't just about sounding correct; it's about communicating clearly and confidently.
We'll dive into the versatile Zero Conditional, a powerful structure that helps you articulate things that are always, undeniably true. You'll learn how to express everything from scientific facts to your daily habits and even simple instructions. A key focus will be understanding the subtle but important difference between using 'if' and 'when' within these constant truths, allowing you to choose the most precise word.
We'll also briefly touch on how the Zero Conditional differs from the First Conditional, ensuring you can distinguish between absolute certainties and likely future possibilities. By the end, you'll be able to discuss general truths and everyday patterns like a pro!

How This Grammar Works

At its heart, the grammar for talking about facts and constant truths revolves around the Zero Conditional. This structure is used when a certain condition always leads to the same, guaranteed result. Think of it like a universal law or an unbroken chain of cause and effect.
The most important rule to remember is that you use the Present Simple tense in *both* parts of the sentence.
Let's look at how it applies to different situations:
First, for General Truths, it's about scientific facts or universal observations. For example,
If you heat ice, it melts.
Or,
Water boils if you heat it to 100 degrees Celsius.
Here, the condition (heating ice/water) *always* results in the same outcome (melting/boiling).
Next, for Habits and Routines, the Zero Conditional describes things that are always true for a person or group. You might say,
When I wake up early, I always feel tired.
Or,
If my dog hears the doorbell, she barks loudly.
Notice how 'when' can often be used interchangeably with 'if' in these scenarios, especially when describing regular occurrences or routines.
It's also excellent for giving Facts and Instructions. If you're explaining how something works or giving directions, this is your go-to.
If you press this button, the machine starts.
Or,
The printer runs out of ink quickly if you print many photos.
The action always leads to the stated result.
Finally, let's clarify If vs When and the Zero vs First Conditional. In the Zero Conditional, 'if' and 'when' are often interchangeable for general truths, as both suggest a guaranteed outcome.
If it rains, the grass gets wet
means the same as
When it rains, the grass gets wet.
However, the key distinction is between the Zero Conditional and the First Conditional.
The Zero Conditional is for things that *always* happen (e.g.,
If you mix blue and yellow, you get green
). The First Conditional is for specific future possibilities that are likely to happen (e.g.,
If it rains tomorrow, we will stay inside
). Knowing this difference is crucial for precise communication in B1 English grammar.

Common Mistakes

It's easy to make a few common errors when you're first learning to talk about facts and constant truths. Here are some to watch out for:
  1. 1Mixing tenses in the Zero Conditional
* ✗ If you will heat water, it boils.
* ✓ If you heat water, it boils.
* *Explanation:* Both clauses in the Zero Conditional must use the Present Simple tense because we're talking about something that is *always* true, not a future possibility.
  1. 1Using Zero Conditional for a specific future possibility
* ✗ If it rains tomorrow, we stay inside.
* ✓ If it rains tomorrow, we will stay inside.
* *Explanation:* The Zero Conditional is for universal truths and habits. For a specific event that is likely to happen in the future, you need the First Conditional (Present Simple + will + base verb).
  1. 1Overusing 'if' when 'when' implies stronger certainty or routine
* ✗ If the alarm clock rings, I get up. (Grammatically fine, but 'when' is often more natural for routines)
* ✓ When the alarm clock rings, I get up.
* *Explanation:* While 'if' is correct, 'when' often feels more natural and emphasizes the regularity or expected occurrence of the condition for habits and routines.

Real Conversations

Here are a few quick dialogues showing how these grammar patterns appear in everyday B1 English conversations:

A

A

How do you manage to stay so calm under pressure?
B

B

Oh, that's easy! If I feel stressed, I always take a few deep breaths. It really helps.
A

A

I'm trying to grow tomatoes, but they keep dying. Any tips?
B

B

Hmm, well, if the soil is too dry, they don't grow well. And when the sun gets too hot, you need to water them twice a day.
A

A

This coffee machine is confusing! How do I make a latte?
B

B

No problem! First, if you fill the water tank, the machine lights up. Then, when the milk is hot, you add the espresso.

Quick FAQ

Q

What's the main difference between if and when in the Zero Conditional?

In the Zero Conditional, if and when are often interchangeable for general truths and facts. However, when often emphasizes that the condition is expected or happens regularly (like a routine), while if can introduce a condition that *might* occur but still leads to a guaranteed result. Both express certainty.

Q

Can I use the Zero Conditional to give instructions?

Absolutely! It's perfect for clear instructions. For example,

If you want to print, you click this icon,
or
The printer starts if you press the green button.
It makes the result of an action very clear and predictable.

Q

How does knowing the Zero Conditional help my B1 English?

It significantly improves your ability to explain how things work, describe universal laws, talk about your habits, and give precise instructions. These are all common and essential communication tasks in B1 English for discussing facts and constant truths.

Q

Is the Zero Conditional only for scientific facts?

Not at all! While it's great for scientific facts (

If you freeze water, it turns to ice
), it's also widely used for everyday habits ("If I don't eat breakfast, I get hungry fast), general observations (When people are tired, they often make mistakes"), and practical instructions.

Cultural Context

Native English speakers use the Zero Conditional constantly in daily conversation. It's a fundamental way to express how the world works, share personal routines, and give straightforward explanations. Because it deals with objective facts and established patterns, its use is generally very direct and doesn't vary much between formal and informal settings.
Whether you're reading a scientific article or chatting with a friend about their morning routine, the structure remains consistent. This predictability makes it a solid and reliable part of your B1 English grammar toolkit.

Exemples clés (8)

1

If you heat water to 100°C, it boils.

Si tu chauffes l'eau à 100°C, elle bout.

Conditionnel Zéro: Vérités Générales
2

When I'm hungry, I eat something.

Quand j'ai faim, je mange quelque chose.

Conditionnel Zéro: Vérités Générales
3

If I drink coffee too late, I can't sleep.

Si je bois du café trop tard, je ne peux pas dormir.

Conditionnel Zéro: Habitudes et Routines
4

When she finishes work, she usually watches a sitcom.

Quand elle a fini de travailler, elle regarde habituellement une sitcom.

Conditionnel Zéro: Habitudes et Routines
5

If you press `Ctrl + S`, the document saves.

Si tu appuies sur `Ctrl + S`, le document s'enregistre.

Conditionnel Zéro: Faits et Instructions
6

When you don't get enough sleep, you feel tired.

Quand tu ne dors pas assez, tu te sens fatigué.

Conditionnel Zéro: Faits et Instructions
7

If you heat water to 100 degrees Celsius, it boils.

Si tu chauffes l'eau à 100 degrés Celsius, elle bout.

Conditionnel Zéro: Vérités Générales (If vs. When)
8

When the sun goes down, it gets dark.

Quand le soleil se couche, il fait sombre.

Conditionnel Zéro: Vérités Générales (If vs. When)

Conseils et astuces (4)

💡

Pense 'Toujours Vrai'

Imagine que tu parles d'un fait scientifique. Si le résultat arrive *tout le temps* quand la condition est là, c'est du Conditionnel Zéro. C'est parfait pour les faits scientifiques ou tes routines. "If the outcome *always* happens under a given condition, you're looking at the Zero Conditional. It's your go-to for universal facts and regular habits."
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Conditionnel Zéro: Vérités Générales
💡

Pense : 'Toujours vrai' pour TOI

Quand tu formes une phrase au Conditionnel Zéro pour une habitude, demande-toi : 'Est-ce que c'est toujours vrai pour moi (ou pour la personne) ?' Si oui, utilise le présent simple partout !
If I wake up early, I go for a run.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Conditionnel Zéro: Habitudes et Routines
💡

Pense : 'Toujours vrai'

Le Conditionnel Zéro est pour des affirmations qui sont VRAIES partout, tout le temps, comme des faits scientifiques. S'il y a un 'peut-être', ce n'est pas lui. "If there's any 'maybe', it's not Zero Conditional."
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Conditionnel Zéro: Faits et Instructions
💡

Pense « Toujours Vrai »

Avant d'utiliser le Zéro Conditionnel, demande-toi : est-ce que c'est *toujours* vrai ? S'il y a un 'might' ou 'maybe', c'est sûrement un autre conditionnel. Reste factuel !
If you touch fire, you get burned.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Conditionnel Zéro: Vérités Générales (If vs. When)

Vocabulaire clé (5)

condition a state or requirement inevitable certain to happen routine a sequence of actions regularly followed instruction detailed information telling how to do something possibility a thing that may happen

Real-World Preview

thermometer

Explaining a natural phenomenon

Review Summary

  • If + Present Simple, Present Simple
  • If + Present Simple, Present Simple
  • If + Present Simple, Imperative
  • If/When + Present Simple, Present Simple
  • Zero (Fact) vs First (Possibility)

Erreurs courantes

Do not use 'will' in the 'if' clause of a zero conditional. Keep both parts in the present simple.

Wrong: If I will go to the park, I feel happy.
Correct: If I go to the park, I feel happy.

When giving instructions, use the imperative form (verb base), not the gerund.

Wrong: If you are cold, putting on a coat.
Correct: If you are cold, put on a coat.

This refers to a specific future event, so the first conditional is required.

Wrong: If it rains tomorrow, the grass is wet.
Correct: If it rains tomorrow, the grass will be wet.

Next Steps

You have mastered the language of truth. Keep practicing!

Write 5 facts about your favorite hobby.

Continue to: Projets et possibilités : Maîtrise ton futur en anglais

Pratique rapide (10)

Trouve et corrige l'erreur dans la phrase.

Find and fix the mistake:

When she will travel, she always buys souvenirs.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: When she travels, she always buys souvenirs.
Le Conditionnel Zéro utilise le présent simple dans la clause 'when' et dans la clause principale pour les habitudes régulières. 'Will' est incorrect ici.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Conditionnel Zéro: Habitudes et Routines

Choisis la forme correcte pour compléter la phrase.

If you don't study, you ___ your exams.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: fail
Pour les vérités générales au Zéro Conditionnel, les deux clauses utilisent le simple présent. 'Fail' est la forme correcte au simple présent.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Conditionnel Zéro: Vérités Générales (If vs. When)

Choisis la bonne forme pour compléter la phrase.

If I ___ (forget) my umbrella, I always ___ (get) wet.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: forget / get
Pour le Conditionnel Zéro, les deux clauses utilisent le présent simple pour décrire une habitude ou un résultat constant.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Conditionnel Zéro: Habitudes et Routines

Choisis la forme correcte du verbe pour compléter la phrase au Conditionnel Zéro.

If you ___ (mix) red and blue, you get purple.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: mix
Les deux clauses du Conditionnel Zéro utilisent le temps du présent simple. 'Mix' est la forme correcte au présent simple.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Conditionnel Zéro: Vérités Générales

Trouve et corrige l'erreur dans cette vérité générale.

Find and fix the mistake:

If you will drop glass, it will break.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: If you drop glass, it breaks.
Le Conditionnel Zéro utilise le présent simple dans les deux parties pour exprimer un fait général et toujours vrai, pas une possibilité future. L'utilisation de 'will' est incorrecte ici.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Conditionnel Zéro: Faits et Instructions

Quelle phrase utilise correctement le Zéro Conditionnel ?

Choose the correct sentence:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: If you heat water, it boils.
Les deux clauses, celle avec 'if' et la clause principale, doivent être au simple présent dans le Zéro Conditionnel pour exprimer une vérité universelle.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Conditionnel Zéro: Vérités Générales (If vs. When)

Quelle phrase énonce correctement une règle ou un fait ?

Choisis la bonne phrase :

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: When I study hard, I pass.
Cette phrase utilise correctement le présent simple dans les deux parties pour décrire le résultat constant d'une habitude ou une vérité générale, ce qui correspond au Conditionnel Zéro.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Conditionnel Zéro: Faits et Instructions

Choisis la bonne forme pour compléter l'instruction.

If the kettle ___, it means the water is boiling.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: whistles
Pour le Conditionnel Zéro, les deux parties de la phrase utilisent le présent simple, décrivant un fait toujours vrai. Le sujet 'kettle' est singulier, donc le verbe prend un '-s'.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Conditionnel Zéro: Faits et Instructions

Quelle phrase utilise correctement le Conditionnel Zéro ?

Choose the correct sentence:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: If you touch fire, you burn yourself.
Le Conditionnel Zéro utilise le présent simple dans la clause 'if' et dans la clause principale pour les vérités universelles.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Conditionnel Zéro: Vérités Générales

Choisis la forme verbale correcte pour compléter la phrase.

If you heat ice, it ___ (melt).

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: melts
C'est un fait scientifique, une vérité universelle. On utilise donc le Zero Conditional, avec les deux clauses au présent simple.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Conditionnel Zéro vs Premier: Différence Clé

Score: /10

Questions fréquentes (6)

Le Conditionnel Zéro sert à parler de vérités générales, de faits scientifiques, d'habitudes et d'instructions – des choses qui sont toujours vraies et ont un résultat prévisible. Par exemple, 'If you heat water, it boils.'
Tu formes le Conditionnel Zéro en utilisant le présent simple dans les deux clauses : If/When + présent simple, présent simple. Par exemple, 'When I eat too much, I feel sick.'
Il est utilisé pour parler de choses qui sont *toujours vraies* ou qui arrivent *régulièrement* pour une personne ou un groupe spécifique. Pense à expliquer les comportements prévisibles de quelqu'un, comme
If I get stressed, I go for a walk.
Tu utilises le présent simple dans la clause 'if' (ou 'when') et dans la clause principale. La structure est
If/When + Sujet + Présent Simple, Sujet + Présent Simple.
Le Conditionnel Zéro sert à parler de choses toujours vraies, comme des faits scientifiques, des vérités universelles ou des habitudes générales. Il décrit une cause qui mène toujours à un effet spécifique :
If you heat ice, it melts.
Tu le formes avec 'if' ou 'when' suivi du présent simple dans la première partie (la condition), et encore le présent simple dans la deuxième partie (le résultat). Par exemple :
If it rains, the ground gets wet.
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