Thread: Conditionals
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Old 15-Sep-2003, 20:44
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Quote:
Originally Posted by tdol
Some people argue that the zero conditional isn't a true conditional because 'when' can be used in place of 'if'.
But it is, isn't it? After all, a specified condition must be met before a specified result can occur. (If the water does not reach 100 degrees Celsius it does not boil.) BTW, I meant to ask (but forgot to) is why is it called a zero conditional?

Quote:
Originally Posted by tdol
In BE, we do replace 'if' with 'should' in the first conditional and it seems to reduce the probability of the condition being met, like a halfway house to the second conditional.
It's interesting that you said that. I was considering disagreeing with myself. How about:
  • Should water reach 100 degrees Celsius it will boil. (If it doesn't it won't, but should it do so it will.)

What do you think?

:)
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