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.

____ Break the glass if there is a fire._______________________________________

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

____ Please stay in your seats if the weather gets stormy._______________________

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

____ Please stand up if the head teacher enters the room. ______________________

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

____All police leave will be cancelled if the Prime Minister comes to visit. ___________

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

____ Please inform the guard if you see a suspect package on the train. ____________

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

____If there is an emergency, go directly to the hospital. _________________

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

____ Please leave your name and number if the office is closed. ___________________

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

____If it rains, the ceremony takes place indoors. _______________________________

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

____ Please inform the police if anything is stolen from you. _____________________

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

1. If the flight gets bumpy, __ _ _stay in your seat____ _______ . 2. If you don’t pass the exam the first time, ___study harder next time_______ . 3. If the café is closed, ____________you can find me next door___________ . 4. If there aren't any glasses, ______ _just use a cup__ _________ . 5. If you run out of money, ________ _let me know __________ .

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 the same as 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 ___ _a few_ ___ ___ brothers and sisters.

2. There are _ _ _a lot of _ ___ nightclubs in my city.

3. I have been on _ _quite a few__ __ flights in my life.

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4. I have seen ___ a few _ _______ films recently.

5. I have __ ___a little _ _____ money in my wallet.

6. I have ___a little bit of________ English homework to do.

7. There are __ _a lot of________ parks in this town.

8. My mother has ___only a few______ fashionable clothes.