Hey there! This is TOP episode 290. 7 Times You Need the Zero Conditional
Are you tired of lacking confidence when speaking English? Does it block you from achieving your true goals? This podcast is the place for you. This is Teacher Ola Podcast. My name’s Ola Mierniczak and I empower English learners like you, pto become confident speakers. The key to fluency is in your pocket. You’ll boost your vocabulary, brush up your grammar and improve your pronunciation. Enjoy your journey to fluency!
Hey there. Welcome back to the podcast.
Why will this renovation never end? Because that’s exactly what I think. I’m almost sure the balcony renovation in our block will go on forever (officially it’s supposed to last 6 months). Now I know why.
The whole job is being done by literally 7 people. They’ve got a small scaffolding. They’re skilled and super efficient, but even if they were world champions in balcony renovation, there’s no way they could finish this in under 6 months.
You might be wondering why I’m telling you this?
Well, I think it’s kind of similar to your English. You can start speaking faster and more effectively — but… you’re missing tools. You don’t have the right materials, and you’re wasting time looking for them! Meanwhile, you could already be learning how to fluently talk about your favourite TV show.
It just so happens that right now, until May 7th, you can get my list of 120 authentic sentences for self-study. The sentences, idioms and phrasal verbs you need to talk about your free time. Books, music, tv series, sport and hobbies. Go to teacherola.com/lista and start taking action today.
In this episode, you’ll learn how to use the zero conditional in real life.
It’s simple, super useful, and perfect for daily conversations. Let’s make your English more natural—starting now!
We use the zero conditional to talk about things that are always true when something happens. It’s perfect for facts, rules, and everyday routines.
Let’s take a look at the structure:
If or When + present simple, present simple. For example, and it’s the classic example you remember from school!
If you heat water to 100°C, it boils.
This means: Every time you do it, the same result happens.
Think of it like this: “When A happens, B always happens.” It’s not about the future or imagination. It’s about things that happen every time — facts, habits, rules, and routines.
Now, let’s move on to 7 real-life situations where zero conditional is super useful
Number one. Daily routines at home.
For Example:
If I don’t drink coffee in the morning, I get a headache.
I’m talking about something that always happens in my life. I’m not saying “maybe.” I’m saying, “This is just how it is.”
It’s a repeated cause and effect. Coffee and my body have a rule. I’m not planning or imagining — I’m stating a regular truth.
Once again:
If I don’t drink coffee in the morning, I get a headache.
Number two. Instructions or rules
Listen to this example sentence:
If you press this button, the machine starts.
You’re giving someone a simple rule or instruction for how something works — maybe a coffee machine, a printer, or a blender.
This is how machines behave — reliably and predictably. This sentence shows what always happens when someone does a specific action.
If you press this button, the machine starts.
Three. Health and body facts
Example:
If you don’t sleep enough, you feel tired all day.
This is a fact most people can relate to. It’s not just your personal opinion — it happens to almost everyone.
It expresses a general truth based on human biology. You’re not talking about one night — you’re talking about every time it happens.
If you don’t sleep enough, you feel tired all day.
Four. Food preferences
Listen:
If I eat spicy food, I sneeze.
You know your body, and this is how it reacts. Every time. It’s not a one-time thing. This always happens, so it’s a clear cause-effect in your daily life — perfect for zero conditional.
If I eat spicy food, I sneeze.
Number five. Social rules or reactions
Here comes another sentence:
If you’re late, people get annoyed.
You’re talking about how society or people around you simply usually react to a common behavior. It’s a social “rule.” Not official, but very common. You’re describing what typically happens in everyday social situations.
If you’re late, people get annoyed.
Six. Parenting or teaching
Example:
If children don’t brush their teeth, they get cavities.
Parents, teachers, or doctors use sentences like this to explain simple truths to kids. It’s an educational fact. Something that happens every time if the rule is not followed. Great for teaching consequences.
If children don’t brush their teeth, they get cavities.
Seven. Talking about nature.
Example:
If it rains, the grass grows faster.
You’re describing something natural, that happens again and again. Maybe you’re talking about gardening or explaining seasons. It describes a basic natural law. This isn’t about next week’s weather — it’s about a pattern in nature that’s always true.
If it rains, the grass grows faster.
The zero conditional is like your best friend when you want to explain: facts, habits, daily truths or how things work. It helps you sound clear and confident — because you’re not guessing or dreaming. You’re stating things that always happen when something else happens.
Okay, let’s practise what we learned! I’m going to say 7 sentences from today’s episode and 3 extra ones. Please, repeat them out loud to feel more confident using these phrases. Don’t be shy. Ready? Let’s start!
If I don’t drink coffee in the morning, I get a headache.
If you press this button, the machine starts.
If you don’t sleep enough, you feel tired all day.
If I eat spicy food, I sneeze.
If you’re late, people get annoyed.
If children don’t brush their teeth, they get cavities.
If it rains, the grass grows faster.
If you exercise regularly, you feel more energetic.
If you speed, you get a fine.
If you leave your phone at home, you feel lost all day.
Great job! Don’t stop now though—grab your worksheet! Head over to teacherola.com/290 and complete the task. It’s a simple step that will really help you remember the new phrases.
By the way, don’t forget—if you’re serious about improving your speaking, I’ve created something just for you. Until May 7th, you can get my list of 120 authentic sentences for self-study. These are the exact phrases, idioms, and phrasal verbs you need to confidently talk about your free time—books, music, TV series, sport, hobbies… all the good stuff!
Head to teacherola.com/lista and grab your copy before it’s gone. Let’s make speaking English easier and more fun!
If this episode was useful to you, please share it with someone who’s also working on their English fluency. And if you feel like it, leave a review, rate, or like the episode—it means a lot to me. Thank you.
That’s it for today. Thank you again for listening! I’ll see you in the next episode. I believe in you—you can speak English with fluency if you truly want it! Stay fearless, take care, and say it out loud! I’m your teacher, Teacher Ola, and you’ve been listening to Teacher Ola Podcast. Bye for now!