Zero conditionals without if

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EXTRA English 24 Pilot Nick

Grammatik und Übungen

Zero conditionals without if

A zero conditional is usually a sentence with if, and two present tense verbs, of present tense and modal verbs.

 The plane shakes if there's a strong wind.

 If there's a storm, it can get quite bumpy.

In written instructions, or in more formal spoken English, such as an air safety drill, different expressions can be used.

 In the event of cabin decompression, place an oxygen mask over your face.

 In case of turbulence, fasten your seat belt.

 Should the seat belt signs come on, please return to your seats.

A. Re-write these sentences in less formal English.

In case of turbulence, fasten your seat belt. If it gets turbulent, fasten your seat belt.

1. In case of fire, break the glass.

________________ ___________________________

2. In the event of stormy weather, please remain in your seats.

____________ _______________________________

3. Should the head teacher enter the room, please stand up.

__________ _________________________________

4. In the event of a visit by the Prime Minister, all police leave will be cancelled.

____________ _______________________________

5. Should you see a suspect package on the train, please inform the guard.

____________________ _______________________

6. In the event of an emergency, go directly to the hospital.

________________ ___________________________

7. Should the office be closed, please leave your name and number.

______________ _____________________________

8. In the event of rain, the ceremony takes place indoors.

_________________ __________________________

9. In case of theft, please inform the police.

_____________ ______________________________

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B. Add suggestions of what to do in these circumstances.

1. If the flight gets bumpy, ___________ _________ . 2. If you don’t pass the exam the first time, __________________________________ . 3. If the café is closed, ______________ _________ . 4. If there aren't any glasses, _______ ___________ . 5. If you run out of money, _______ ____________ .

Modifiers: a little and a few

a lot of can refer to uncountables (tea, washing) or countables (cups, clothes).

 I have a lot of homework to do.

 I have a lot of things to do.

a little is for uncountables (tea, sugar, washing) and a few is for countables (cups, clothes).

 I have a little washing to do.

 I have a few things to do.

Sometimes we modify them with only.

 I have only a little washing to do.

 I have only a few things to do.

The following expressions mean the same as a little. They can NOT be used with a few.

 I have a bit of homework to do.

 I have a little bit of washing to do.

 I have a tiny bit of washing to do.

quite a few is an unusual expression, it means a lot.

 There are quite a few people from Argentina living in London.

A. Complete these sentences with one of the expressions above.

1. I have _______ ____ brothers and sisters.

2. There are ________ ___ nightclubs in my city.

3. I have been on _____ ______ flights in my life.

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4. I have seen ____ _______ films recently.

5. I have _____ __ ____ money in my wallet.

6. I have _____ ______ English homework to do.

7. There are _______ ____ parks in this town.

8. My mother has ___________ fashionable clothes.