B1 · 中級 チャプター 14

Talking About Facts and Constant Truths

5 トータルルール
60 例文
6 分
このチャプターのルール クイック練習

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.

学べること

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.

  • ゼロ条件文：一般的な事実
    ゼロ条件文をマスターすれば、「普遍の真理」や「いつも起こること」を自信を持って伝えられるようになりますよ。
  • ゼロ条件法: 習慣と日課
    「Zero Conditional」をマスターして、英語で「consistent habits」や「routines」を自信を持って伝えましょう！
  • ゼロ条件文：事実と指示
    「いつもそうなる」ことを説明したり、はっきりした指示を伝えるなら、Zero Conditional がベストな表現です。
  • ゼロ条件: 一般的な真実 (If と When)
    普遍的な事実を話す時に、「if」は「一般的な可能性」を、「when」は「確実な規則性」を表すために使い分けましょう。
  • ゼロ条件文 vs. 第一条件文: 主な違い
    ゼロ条件文は「universal truths」（普遍的な真実）に、一条件文は「real future possibilities」（現実的な将来の可能性）に使いますよ！この二つをしっかり区別しましょう。

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.

チャプターガイド

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.

重要な例文 (8)

1

If you heat water to 100°C, it boils.

もし水を100℃に熱すると、沸騰します。

ゼロ条件文：一般的な事実
2

When I'm hungry, I eat something.

お腹が空いたら、何か食べます。

ゼロ条件文：一般的な事実
3

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

コーヒーを遅い時間に飲むと、眠れません。

ゼロ条件法: 習慣と日課
4

When she finishes work, she usually watches a sitcom.

彼女は仕事が終わると、たいていシットコムを見ます。

ゼロ条件法: 習慣と日課
5

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

「Ctrl + S」を押すと、ドキュメントが保存されます。

ゼロ条件文：事実と指示
6

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

十分な睡眠がとれないと、疲れます。

ゼロ条件文：事実と指示
7

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

水を100度に熱すると、沸騰します。

ゼロ条件: 一般的な真実 (If と When)
8

When the sun goes down, it gets dark.

太陽が沈むと、暗くなります。

ゼロ条件: 一般的な真実 (If と When)

ヒントとコツ (4)

💡

「いつもそうなる」と考えてみて

もしある条件のときに、結果が「必ず」起こるなら、それはゼロ条件文を使う場面です。普遍的な事実や習慣にぴったりですよ: "If the outcome *always* happens under a given condition, you're looking at the Zero Conditional."
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: ゼロ条件文：一般的な事実
💡

「いつもそう」と考える

習慣を表すZero Conditionalの文を作るときは、「これは私にとって、あるいは話している相手にとって、いつも当てはまることかな？」と考えてみてください。もし「はい」なら、両方の節で現在形を使います！例えば、「If I'm hungry, I eat a snack.」
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: ゼロ条件法: 習慣と日課
💡

「いつでも正しい」と考える

カフェで友達に、このコーヒーは絶対美味しいよ、って言う時みたいに、いつでも正しいことを伝えるのが Zero Conditional です。もし「たぶんそうなる」なら、これは使いません。「
If you heat water, it boils.
」
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: ゼロ条件文：事実と指示
💡

「常に真実」かを考えてみよう

ゼロ条件文を使う前に、それが「常に真実」かどうか自問自答してみましょう。「〜かもしれない」という少しでも不確実な要素があるなら、別の条件文を使うべきです。事実に徹してくださいね！「If you don't eat, you get hungry.」
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: ゼロ条件: 一般的な真実 (If と When)

重要な語彙 (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)

よくある間違い

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.
正解: 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.
正解: 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.
正解: 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: Planning for Real Future Possibilities

クイック練習 (10)

指示を完成させる正しい形を選びましょう。

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

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: whistles
Zero Conditionalでは、常に真実である事実を表すため、両方の節で現在形を使います。「kettle」は単数なので、動詞には「-s」がつきます。

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: ゼロ条件文：事実と指示

次のゼロ条件文の間違いを見つけて修正してください。

Find and fix the mistake:

When it rains, the roads will get slippery.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: When it rains, the roads get slippery.
ゼロ条件文は普遍の真理を示すため、両方の節で現在形が必要です。「will get」は「get」に修正します。

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: ゼロ条件文：一般的な事実

ゼロ条件文を正しく使っている文を選んでください。

正しい文を選びなさい:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: If you touch fire, you burn yourself.
ゼロ条件文は普遍の真理のために、「if」節も主節も現在形を使います。

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: ゼロ条件文：一般的な事実

文の間違いを見つけて修正しましょう。

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.
Zero Conditionalは、規則的な習慣に対して「when」節と主節の両方で現在形を使います。「Will」はここでは間違いです。

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: ゼロ条件法: 習慣と日課

文中の間違いを見つけて修正しましょう。

Find and fix the mistake:

If I will study hard, I will pass the exam.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: If I study hard, I will pass the exam.
一条件文では、「if」節は未来の可能性を指す場合でも常に現在形を使います。「will」は主節でのみ使われるべきです。

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: ゼロ条件文 vs. 第一条件文: 主な違い

ルールや事実を正しく述べている文はどれですか？

Choose the correct sentence:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: When I study hard, I pass.
この文は、習慣の一貫した結果や一般的な真実を表すために両方の節で現在形を正しく使っており、Zero Conditionalに合致しています。

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: ゼロ条件文：事実と指示

正しくゼロ条件文を使っている文を選びましょう。

Choose the correct sentence:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: If you heat water, it boils.
ゼロ条件文では、「if」節と主節の両方が現在形である必要があります。

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: ゼロ条件: 一般的な真実 (If と When)

文中の間違いを見つけて修正しましょう。

Find and fix the mistake:

When it rains, the roads will get slippery.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: When it rains, the roads get slippery.
ゼロ条件文は常に真実である事柄を説明します。したがって、「will get」は未来の予測ではなく、この確実性を反映するために「get」（現在形）であるべきです。

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: ゼロ条件: 一般的な真実 (If と When)

文を完成させる正しい形を選びましょう。

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

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: fail
ゼロ条件文における普遍的な真実の場合、両方の節で現在形を使います。「fail」が正しい現在形です。

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: ゼロ条件: 一般的な真実 (If と When)

この一般的な真実の間違いを見つけて修正しましょう。

Find and fix the mistake:

If you will drop glass, it will break.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: If you drop glass, it breaks.
Zero Conditionalは、未来の可能性ではなく、一般的で常に真実である事実を表すために両方の節で現在形を使います。ここでの「will」の使用は間違っています。

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: ゼロ条件文：事実と指示

Score: /10

よくある質問 (6)

ゼロ条件文は、普遍の真理、科学的事実、習慣、指示など、「常に真実であり、予測可能な結果が伴うこと」を話すために使われます。例えば、「If you heat water, it boils.」（水を熱すると、沸騰する。）
ゼロ条件文は、両方の節で「現在形」を使います。If/When + 現在形, 現在形 の形ですね。例えば、「When I eat too much, I feel sick.」（食べ過ぎると、気分が悪くなる。）
それは、特定の人やグループにとって「常に真実」であること、または「定期的に起こる」ことについて話すために使われます。誰かの予測可能なパターンを説明するようなものだと考えてください。例えば、「If I get stressed, I go for a walk.」（ストレスがたまると、散歩に行きます。）
「if」（または「when」）節と主節の両方で、現在形を使います。構造は「If/When + 主語 + 現在形, 主語 + 現在形」となります。
「Zero Conditional」は、科学的事実や普遍的な真実、一般的な習慣など、常に真実である事柄に使われます。ある原因が常に特定の結果をもたらすことを説明します。「
If you heat ice, it melts.
」のように、いつでも同じことが起こる時に使いますよ。
ifまたはwhenの後に条件節で現在形を使い、結果節でもう一度現在形を使います。「
If it rains, the ground gets wet.
」のように作ります。
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