Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Use the Zero Conditional to talk about things that are always true, like scientific facts or your daily habits.
- Use Present Simple in both the 'if' clause and the result clause: 'If I sleep late, I feel tired.'
- You can replace 'if' with 'when' or 'whenever' without changing the meaning of the sentence.
- Use a comma if the 'if' clause comes first; no comma is needed if the result comes first.
Overview
How This Grammar Works
Present Simple（現在形）を使います。これにより、動作の規則性に焦点を当て続けることができます。1回限りの出来事を予測しているのではなく、あなたの宇宙の恒久的な法則を説明しているのです。ゲーマーなら、その感覚がわかるでしょう。HPがなくなれば、レベルを失う。それがゼロ条件文です。ひょっとしたら、ではなく、ゲームがそのようにプログラムされているのです。実生活では、自分のルーチンを友達に説明したり、アプリの仕組みを説明したりするのに使います。それはあなたの個性の「マニュアル」です。午後4時以降にコーヒーを飲むと、眠れません。それが私という人間なのです！
Formation Pattern
if または when という言葉から始めます。ゼロ条件文では、これらは基本的に双子です。意味を変えずに交換できます。
Present Simple を使って条件を加えます。（例： If you heat water to 100 degrees...）
if または when で始めた場合は、カンマ（,）を使います。 if が真ん中にある場合は、カンマを飛ばしてください！
Present Simple で締めくくります。（... it boils.）
If/When + Present Simple, + Present Simple
When I see a dog, I smile.
Present Simple + if/when + Present Simple
I smile when I see a dog.
When To Use It
If you mix red and blue, you get purple. 退屈？かもしれませんが、不可欠です。2つ目は、一般的な真実です。これらはすべての人にとって、あるいは少なくともあなたにとって真実であることです。 If you don't eat, you get hungry. 3つ目は、習慣とルーチンです。ここからが個人的な内容になります。When I get home, I take off my shoes. 最後は、指示とルールです。アプリの設定やボードゲームを思い浮かべてください。 If the light turns red, you stop.
Common Mistakes
- 'Will' の罠: 文のどの部分にも
willを使わないでください。
If I see her, I will say hello.If I see her, I say hello.- カンマのドラマ:
ifが文の冒頭にあるときにカンマを忘れがちです。 - 時制の混合: シンプルに保ちましょう。現在形 + 現在形。
Contrast With Similar Patterns
- ゼロ条件文: 100%の確信 / 常に真実 / 一般的な習慣。
If it rains, I wear a raincoat.- 第1条件文: 現実的な可能性 / 特定の未来の出来事。
If it rains tomorrow, I will wear a raincoat.Quick FAQ
if の代わりに when を使えますか？
もちろんです！ゼロ条件文では、これらは入れ替え可能です。
常にカンマが必要ですか？
if/when の部分が最初に来る場合のみです。
SNSのルールに使えますか？
はい！ If you double-tap a photo on Instagram, you like it.
Zero Conditional Structure
| Clause Type | Conjunction | Subject | Verb Tense | Example |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Condition Clause
|
If / When
|
I / You / We / They
|
Present Simple
|
If you exercise,
|
|
Result Clause
|
(None)
|
I / You / We / They
|
Present Simple
|
you feel better.
|
|
Condition Clause
|
If / When
|
He / She / It
|
Present Simple (+s)
|
If it rains,
|
|
Result Clause
|
(None)
|
He / She / It
|
Present Simple (+s)
|
the grass gets wet.
|
|
Negative Condition
|
If
|
I / You / We / They
|
do not + verb
|
If you don't eat,
|
|
Negative Result
|
(None)
|
I / You / We / They
|
do not + verb
|
you don't grow.
|
Common Contractions in Zero Conditional
| Full Form | Contraction | Usage Example |
|---|---|---|
|
do not
|
don't
|
If I don't sleep, I'm grumpy.
|
|
does not
|
doesn't
|
If it doesn't rain, plants die.
|
|
I am
|
I'm
|
If I'm late, I call.
|
|
it is
|
it's
|
If it's hot, I swim.
|
Meanings
The Zero Conditional describes situations where one action always causes another. It is used for facts, rules, and personal routines.
Scientific Facts
Describing universal truths or laws of nature that never change.
“If water reaches 100 degrees, it boils.”
“If you mix red and blue, you get purple.”
Personal Habits
Describing things you regularly do in response to a specific situation.
“If I wake up early, I go for a jog.”
“If I'm stressed, I listen to classical music.”
Rules and Instructions
Explaining how things work or giving commands based on conditions.
“If the light is red, you stop.”
“If you have a question, please raise your hand.”
Reference Table
| 種類 | 条件（If/When節） | 結果（主節） | 例 |
|---|---|---|---|
|
私の日課
|
If I wake up early
|
I go for a run.
|
If I wake up early, I go for a run.
|
|
彼女の習慣
|
When she studies at night
|
she drinks strong tea.
|
When she studies at night, she drinks strong tea.
|
|
あなたの反応
|
If you watch horror movies
|
you can't sleep well.
|
You can't sleep well if you watch horror movies.
|
|
彼らの日課
|
When they have a day off
|
they visit their family.
|
When they have a day off, they visit their family.
|
|
私たちの習慣
|
If we eat too much sugar
|
we feel sluggish.
|
If we eat too much sugar, we feel sluggish.
|
|
私の好み
|
When I cook dinner
|
I always play music.
|
When I cook dinner, I always play music.
|
フォーマル度スペクトル
If one lacks sufficient sleep, one experiences fatigue. (General health)
If you don't sleep, you get tired. (General health)
No sleep makes you a zombie. (General health)
If you pull an all-nighter, you're wrecked. (General health)
習慣と日課のためのZero Conditional
構造
- If/When Clause Simple Present
- Main Clause Simple Present
- カンマの使用 If/When節が最初に来る場合のみ
主要な考え
- 常に真実 特定の人/グループにとって
- 予測可能 一貫した原因と結果
- 未来ではない 現在の現実を述べる
使用法
- 毎日の活動 朝のルーティン、仕事のタスク
- 個人的な癖 ユニークな習慣、反応
- 一般的なシナリオ テキストメッセージ、オンライン会議、ゲーム
避けるべきこと
- 'Will' 時制 未来単純形を使わない
- 時制の混在 両方の節を現在形に保つ
- First Conditional 特定の未来の出来事には使わない
Zero ConditionalでのIfとWhenの比較（習慣）
Zero Conditionalの習慣ですか？
一般的な真実、または（特定の人/グループにとって）常に起こるルーティンを説明していますか？
条件と結果の両方のアクションは、現在において一貫して発生しますか？
ルーティンについて意味を大きく変えずに「if」を「when」に（またはその逆に）置き換えることができますか？
毎日の習慣：Zero Conditionalの実際の使用例
朝のルーティン
- • If I wake up late, I skip breakfast.
- • When my alarm rings, I hit snooze.
勉強習慣
- • If I study with friends, I learn faster.
- • When I listen to music, I focus better.
仕事とテクノロジー
- • If I get an urgent email, I reply immediately.
- • When the Wi-Fi is bad, I use my hotspot.
社交とレジャー
- • If I play games online, I lose track of time.
- • When friends call, I always answer.
レベル別の例文
If I am cold, I wear a coat.
If I am cold, I wear a coat.
If you heat ice, it melts.
If you heat ice, it melts.
I cry if I am sad.
I cry if I am sad.
If it is 10:00, I go to bed.
If it is 10:00, I go to bed.
If I don't eat breakfast, I get hungry.
If I don't eat breakfast, I get hungry.
When it rains, the ground gets wet.
When it rains, the ground gets wet.
Does the machine work if you press this?
Does the machine work if you press this?
If my cat is hungry, she meows.
If my cat is hungry, she meows.
If I have a lot of work, I usually stay late.
If I have a lot of work, I usually stay late.
Whenever I travel by plane, I feel nervous.
Whenever I travel by plane, I feel nervous.
If you mix oil and water, they don't blend.
If you mix oil and water, they don't blend.
If children don't exercise, they become unhealthy.
If children don't exercise, they become unhealthy.
If the temperature drops below zero, water freezes.
If the temperature drops below zero, water freezes.
If you don't have a ticket, you can't enter the stadium.
If you don't have a ticket, you can't enter the stadium.
When people get older, their memory often declines.
When people get older, their memory often declines.
If you use a credit card, the bank charges interest.
If you use a credit card, the bank charges interest.
If a company fails to innovate, it quickly loses its market share.
If a company fails to innovate, it quickly loses its market share.
If the law is ambiguous, judges interpret it based on precedent.
If the law is ambiguous, judges interpret it based on precedent.
When carbon dioxide levels rise, the global temperature increases.
When carbon dioxide levels rise, the global temperature increases.
If one lacks discipline, success remains elusive.
If one lacks discipline, success remains elusive.
Should the system encounter an error, it automatically generates a report.
Should the system encounter an error, it automatically generates a report.
If the premise is false, the entire argument collapses.
If the premise is false, the entire argument collapses.
When a language dies, a unique worldview disappears with it.
When a language dies, a unique worldview disappears with it.
If power corrupts, absolute power corrupts absolutely.
If power corrupts, absolute power corrupts absolutely.
間違えやすい
Learners use 'will' in Zero Conditional or vice versa. They struggle to decide if a situation is a 'general truth' or a 'specific future event'.
Learners aren't sure which word to use to start the sentence.
Learners think they must always have a subject in the second clause.
よくある間違い
If it rain, the grass gets wet.
If it rains, the grass gets wet.
If I am hungry I eat.
If I am hungry, I eat.
If I will be tired, I sleep.
If I am tired, I sleep.
I am happy if I see you.
I am happy when I see you.
If you don't water plants, they will die.
If you don't water plants, they die.
If I not have money, I don't shop.
If I don't have money, I don't shop.
When I am having a cold, I drink tea.
When I have a cold, I drink tea.
If I would be late, my boss gets angry.
If I am late, my boss gets angry.
If you mix blue and yellow, you got green.
If you mix blue and yellow, you get green.
Whenever I will go to London, I visit the British Museum.
Whenever I go to London, I visit the British Museum.
If the system fails, it would restart.
If the system fails, it restarts.
文型パターン
If I ___, I always ___.
When it ___, the ___ ___.
If you don't ___, you don't ___.
Whenever ___, it ___.
Real World Usage
If the pressure increases, the volume decreases.
If the sauce thickens too much, add a tablespoon of water.
If I lift heavy weights, I rest for two minutes between sets.
If you work on a Sunday, you get a day off during the week.
If you don't finish your vegetables, you don't get dessert.
If the screen stays black, press the reset button.
If you follow me, I follow back.
If the alarm sounds, please exit the train immediately.
「いつもそう」と考える
「Will」は使わない！
頻度を表す副詞を使おう
習慣としての社会的儀式
Smart Tips
Always use the Zero Conditional. Using 'will' makes it sound like a prediction rather than a law of nature.
Use 'whenever' instead of 'if' to emphasize that the habit happens every single time.
Use the imperative in the second clause to be clear and concise.
Read the sentence out loud. If you naturally pause after the first part, you need a comma.
発音
The Comma Pause
When the 'if' clause comes first, there is a slight rising intonation at the end of the clause, followed by a brief pause.
Contraction Stress
In the negative form, the word 'don't' or 'doesn't' is usually stressed to emphasize the condition.
Conditional Rise-Fall
If you heat ice ⤴, it melts ⤵.
The rise indicates the condition is being set, and the fall indicates the certain result.
暗記しよう
記憶術
Zero = Zero doubt. If it's a fact, keep the tense intact (Present + Present).
視覚的連想
Imagine a light switch. If you flip the switch (condition), the light turns on (result). It happens every single time without fail.
Rhyme
When the fact is always true, Present Simple is what you do.
Story
Think of a robot named 'Zero'. Zero only follows rules. If Zero sees a red light, Zero stops. If Zero hears a command, Zero obeys. Zero doesn't think about the future; he only reacts to the present.
Word Web
チャレンジ
Write down 5 things that are always true about your morning routine using 'If... I...'. For example: 'If I wake up, I check my phone.'
文化メモ
British speakers often use the Zero Conditional to discuss the weather as an absolute fact of life. 'If the sun comes out, everyone goes to the park.'
In US business culture, Zero Conditionals are used to state company policies clearly and firmly. 'If you are late three times, you receive a warning.'
Scientists globally use this structure to describe laws of nature in English, emphasizing that the result is universal and not subject to opinion.
The term 'Zero Conditional' is a pedagogical label created by grammarians in the 20th century to categorize conditional types for English learners.
会話のきっかけ
What do you usually do if you can't sleep at night?
How does your body react if you drink too much caffeine?
If you have a disagreement with a friend, how do you usually handle it?
What are some 'unwritten rules' in your country? (e.g., If you visit someone's house...)
日記のテーマ
よくある間違い
Test Yourself
If I ___ (forget) my umbrella, I always ___ (get) wet.
Find and fix the mistake:
When she will travel, she always buys souvenirs.
Arrange the words in the correct order:
All words placed
Click words above to build the sentence
Score: /3
練習問題
8 exercisesIf you ___ (mix) red and white, you ___ (get) pink.
Find and fix the mistake:
If it rains, I will usually take the bus.
___ I am late for work, my boss gets very angry.
melts / hot / it / ice / if / gets
Si no bebo agua, me duele la cabeza.
1. If you freeze water... / 2. If you touch a snake... / 3. If you don't sleep...
A: What do you do if you have a fever? B: ___
Select the sentence that describes a general truth.
Score: /8
Practice Bank
12 exercisesIf you ___ (eat) too much sugar, you usually ___ (feel) sluggish.
正しい文を選びましょう：
When my phone rings, I always will answer it.
Translate into English: 'Cuando hace frío, me pongo un suéter.'
文の半分を合わせましょう：
これらの単語を並べ替えて文を作りましょう：
When my laptop ___ (run) slow, I usually ___ (restart) it.
正しい文はどれですか？
If I am hungry, I will snack between meals.
Translate into English: 'Si escuchas música mientras trabajas, el tiempo vuela.'
これらの単語を並べ替えて文を作りましょう：
条件とそれによって起こる典型的な結果を合わせましょう：
Score: /12
よくある質問 (8)
Yes! In the Zero Conditional, `when` and `if` are usually interchangeable because the result is a certainty. 'When it rains, I stay home' is just as correct as 'If it rains, I stay home.'
It's called 'Zero' because there is zero doubt about the result. It describes a 100% certain cause-and-effect relationship.
Only if the `if` clause comes first. If you say 'I get sick if I eat nuts,' you don't need a comma. If you say 'If I eat nuts, I get sick,' the comma is required.
Yes. Modals like `can`, `must`, or `should` can replace the Present Simple in the result clause to express rules. 'If you are 18, you can vote.'
Technically, no. For past habits, we use 'used to' or the Past Simple. The Zero Conditional is strictly for things that are true `now` and `always`.
Zero is for `general truths` (If I eat, I feel better). First is for `specific future possibilities` (If I eat this sandwich now, I will feel better later).
Yes. `Unless` means 'if not'. 'Plants die unless they get water' is the same as 'Plants die if they don't get water.'
It is neutral. It is used in everything from casual conversations about habits to formal scientific papers.
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
Si + presente + presente
Virtually no difference in structure.
Si + présent + présent
French speakers might accidentally use the future tense where English requires the present.
Wenn + Präsens + Präsens
Word order: the verb in the second clause must come immediately after the comma.
~to (~と)
Japanese has multiple conditional forms (~tara, ~ba) that are used in different contexts where English just uses 'if'.
Idha (إذا) + Present
Arabic has a separate word 'In' (إن) for more hypothetical conditions.
Ruguo (如果) ... jiu (就) ...
No verb conjugation means the 'tense' is understood from context rather than the verb itself.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
Learn These First
関連動画
Related Grammar Rules
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