#120 - Mixed Conditionals - English Grammar


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Mixed Conditionals

Sometimes conditional sentences can be a combination of two clauses each referring to different times. These are called mixed conditionals. The "if" clause is not the same time as the result clause.

Mixed Conditionals - Present Unreal and Past Unreal

If + simple past clauseWould have + verb

  • If I were prepared, I would have given the presentation.
  • If I understood Spanish, I would have watched the movie without subtitles.
  • If I read the book, I would have participated in the discussion.

Mixed Conditionals - Present Unreal and Future Unreal

If + simple past clauseWould + verbWould have + verb (hypothetical result)
If + simple past clauseWould + be + present participle

  • If I were happy at work, I would not be quitting so soon.
  • If I made more money, I would buy a house.
  • If he didn't have enough money, I would be paying his share.

Mixed Conditionals - Past Unreal and Present Unreal

If + past perfect clauseWould + verb
If + past perfect clauseWould + be

  • If I had eaten breakfast, I wouldn't be so hungry right now.
  • If she had won this tournament, she would be the champion.
  • If he had worn a jacket, he would not be so cold.

Mixed Conditionals - Past Unreal and Future Unreal

If + past perfect clauseWould + verb
If + past perfect clauseWould + be + present participle

  • If I had gotten the promotion, I would be celebrating with my wife tonight.
  • If she had called us earlier, she would not be looking for a ride to the party.
  • If he had purchased the tickets earlier, he would take more time off.

Mixed Conditionals - Future Unreal and Present Unreal

If + simple past clauseWould + verbWould + verb
If + simple past clauseWould + beWould + be + present participle

  • If I were going to the reunion next month, my parents would be so happy.
  • If she were having a baby next year, her husband would be happy.
  • If he wasn't going on the camping trip, he would stay home.

Mixed Conditionals - Future Unreal and Past Unreal

If + simple past clause orWould have + verbWould have + verb (hypothetical result)
If + were + present participleWould have + verb

  • If I weren't meeting Joe tonight, I would have ordered pizza and stayed home.
  • If she were traveling alone, she would have stayed in a better hotel.
  • If he won the lottery, he would have donated money to his favorite charity.




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