Zero and first conditionals

Article excerpt · target grammar marked

Deontology — most closely identified with Immanuel Kant — rejects that reasoning entirely. For Kant, if you believe that lying is wrong, it is wrong even when the lie would produce a better outcome. Where consequentialism asks 'if I do this, what will happen?

Grammar Reference · Zero and first conditionals

Zero conditional —

If an action causes harm, it is morally suspect. — universal truth, always true

First conditional —

If you return the wallet, you will feel better about yourself. — real future possibility

Zero vs first — key

If outcomes matter, consequences determine rightness. ✓ zero — vs — If you lie, trust will break down.

Common error

If you will lie... ✗ → If you lie... ✓ — never will in the if-clause

01Exercise 1 — Form · Write the Correct Form

Zero and first conditionals

1.If a moral rule exceptions, it is not truly universal.

2.If you the wallet, you will feel better about your decision.

3.If consequences all that matter, duties have no independent force.

4.If the board this ethical framework, investors will react positively.

5.If a person integrity, small ethical tests become easier to pass.

6.If the manager the dilemma honestly, the team will respect the outcome.

02Exercise 2 — Transform

rewrite with the new structure

1.Lying always produces bad trust outcomes — this is a universal moral fact.

2.Choosing virtue ethics in practice means character becomes the priority.

3.Ignoring the consequences of an action is always a risk under deontology.

4.A consequentialist weighs outcomes — bad outcomes mean wrong actions.

03Exercise 3 — About You

in your notebook

Personalise: complete five sentences about yourself using the target grammar.

Zero and first conditionals01EnglishPlans.com