B1 · 중급 챕터 14

Talking About Facts and Constant Truths

5 총 규칙
60 예문
6 분
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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.

배울 내용

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.

챕터 가이드

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.

주요 예문 (8)

1

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

내가 너무 늦게 커피를 마시면, 잠을 잘 수가 없어.

영 조건문: 습관 및 일상
2

When she finishes work, she usually watches a sitcom.

그녀는 일을 마치면, 보통 시트콤을 봐.

영 조건문: 습관 및 일상
3

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

`Ctrl + S`를 누르면 문서가 저장돼요.

영 조건문: 사실과 지침
4

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

잠을 충분히 못 자면 피곤해요.

영 조건문: 사실과 지침
5

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

물을 100도로 끓이면 끓어요.

영 조건문: 일반적인 사실 (If vs When)
6

When the sun goes down, it gets dark.

해가 지면 어두워져요.

영 조건문: 일반적인 사실 (If vs When)
7

If you don't water plants, they die.

식물에 물을 주지 않으면, 죽어요.

영 조건문 vs. 첫째 조건문: 주요 차이점
8

If I get paid tomorrow, I will buy those new shoes.

내일 월급을 받으면, 저 새 신발을 살 거예요.

영 조건문 vs. 첫째 조건문: 주요 차이점

팁과 요령 (4)

💡

'항상 일어나는 일'인지 생각하기

어떤 조건에서 결과가 100% 항상 일어난다면 Zero Conditional을 쓰세요. 과학적 사실이나 습관에 딱이죠.
If you drop a ball, it falls.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 영 조건문: 일반적인 사실
💡

나에게 '항상 사실'인지 생각해 봐요

습관에 대해 제로 조건문을 쓸 때는, '이게 나한테 항상 사실일까?' 또는 '내가 이야기하는 상대방에게 항상 사실일까?' 하고 스스로 물어보세요. '네'라면, 두 절 모두 현재 시제를 쓰면 돼요!
If I feel tired, I take a nap.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 영 조건문: 습관 및 일상
💡

항상 진실이라고 생각해요

친구랑 '만약 운동하면 건강해진다'는 이야기를 할 때처럼, 항상, 보편적으로 진실인 이야기를 할 때 Zero Conditional을 써요. '아마 그럴 거야' 하는 불확실한 상황에는 쓰지 않아요. "If there's any 'maybe', it's not Zero Conditional."
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 영 조건문: 사실과 지침
💡

'항상 사실'인지 생각하기

문법을 쓰기 전에, 이게 '항상' 사실인지 스스로 물어보세요. 혹시 '그럴 수도 있고 아닐 수도 있다'면, 다른 조건문에 해당할 거예요. 팩트에 집중!
If water reaches 0 degrees Celsius, it freezes.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 영 조건문: 일반적인 사실 (If vs When)

핵심 어휘 (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)

자주 하는 실수

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.
정답: 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.
정답: 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.
정답: 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

빠른 연습 (10)

문장을 완성하기 위해 올바른 형태를 선택하세요.

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

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: forget / get
제로 조건문에서는 일관된 습관이나 결과를 설명하기 위해 두 절 모두 현재 시제를 사용해요.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 영 조건문: 습관 및 일상

Zero Conditional을 올바르게 사용한 문장은 무엇인가요?

Choose the correct sentence:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: If you touch fire, you burn yourself.
불에 닿으면 데이는 것은 변하지 않는 사실이므로 양쪽 모두 현재 시제를 씁니다.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 영 조건문: 일반적인 사실

이 일반적인 진리에서 틀린 부분을 찾아 고치세요.

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 Conditional은 일반적이고 항상 진실인 사실을 표현하기 위해 두 절 모두 현재 시제를 사용하며, 미래 가능성이 아니에요. 여기서 'will'을 사용하는 것은 틀렸어요.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 영 조건문: 사실과 지침

문장을 완성하기 위해 올바른 형태를 고르세요.

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

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: fail
Zero Conditional에서 일반적인 사실을 말할 때는 두 절 모두 단순 현재 시제를 사용해요. 'Fail'이 올바른 단순 현재형이에요.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 영 조건문: 일반적인 사실 (If vs When)

지시사항을 완성하기 위한 올바른 형태를 고르세요.

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

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: whistles
Zero Conditional에서는 항상 사실인 것을 설명하기 위해 두 절 모두 현재 시제를 사용해요. 주어 'kettle'은 단수이므로 동사에 '-s'를 붙여야 해요.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 영 조건문: 사실과 지침

다음 Zero Conditional 문장에서 틀린 부분을 찾아 고치세요.

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.
일반적인 사실을 말할 때는 'will get' 대신 현재형인 'get'을 써야 해요.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 영 조건문: 일반적인 사실

Zero Conditional 문장을 완성하기 위해 알맞은 동사 형태를 고르세요.

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

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: mix
Zero Conditional의 양쪽 절에는 모두 현재 시제를 사용해야 해요. 'mix'가 정답입니다.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 영 조건문: 일반적인 사실

어떤 문장이 규칙이나 사실을 정확하게 설명하고 있나요?

Choose the correct sentence:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: When I study hard, I pass.
이 문장은 습관이나 일반적인 진리의 일관된 결과를 설명하기 위해 두 절 모두 현재 시제를 올바르게 사용하고 있으며, Zero Conditional에 부합해요.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 영 조건문: 사실과 지침

문장에서 틀린 부분을 찾아 고치세요.

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.
제로 조건문은 반복되는 습관에 대해 'when' 절과 주절 모두 현재 시제를 사용해야 해요. 'will'은 여기서는 틀려요.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 영 조건문: 습관 및 일상

문장을 완성하기 위해 올바른 동사 형태를 선택하세요.

If you heat ice, it ___ (melt).

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: melts
이것은 과학적인 사실이자 보편적인 진리입니다. 따라서 양쪽 절 모두 현재 시제를 사용하는 Zero Conditional이 사용됩니다.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 영 조건문 vs. 첫째 조건문: 주요 차이점

Score: /10

자주 묻는 질문 (6)

과학적 사실, 일반적인 진리, 습관처럼 '언제나 사실인 일'을 말할 때 써요. 예를 들어
If you heat water, it boils.
같은 문장이에요.
양쪽 절 모두 현재 시제를 사용해요. If/When + 현재 시제, 현재 시제 구조죠.
When I eat too much, I feel sick.
처럼요.
이건 '항상 사실'이거나 특정 사람이나 그룹에게 '규칙적으로 일어나는' 일에 대해 이야기할 때 사용해요. 예를 들어, If I get stressed, I go for a walk. 처럼 누군가의 예측 가능한 패턴을 설명한다고 생각하면 돼요.
'if' (또는 'when') 절과 주절 모두에 현재 시제를 사용해요. 구조는 If/When + 주어 + 현재 시제 동사, 주어 + 현재 시제 동사 입니다.
Zero Conditional은 과학적 사실이나 보편적인 진리, 일반적인 습관처럼 항상 진실인 것을 말할 때 써요. 어떤 원인이 항상 특정한 결과를 낳는다는 걸 설명하죠:
If you heat ice, it melts.
'if'나 'when' 다음에 조건절에 현재 시제를 쓰고, 결과절에도 현재 시제를 써서 만들어요. 예를 들어:
If it rains, the ground gets wet.
이전 챕터
상황에 딱 맞는 조언과 명령, 이제 자신 있게 말해봐요!
다음 챕터
Planning for Real Future Possibilities
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