Grammar: Advanced Conditionals
B2 Lesson 7: Mixed Conditionals
The Two Types of Mixed Conditionals 📖
A mixed conditional is a structure where the time in the 'if' clause is different from the time in the main result clause. This allows you to connect the past and present in hypothetical ways.
Type 1: Past Condition → Present Result
Use this to imagine how a different action in the past would change the situation now.
"If I had taken that job in Phnom Penh last year, I would be a manager now."
(Reality: I didn't take the job in the past, so I am not a manager in the present.)
"If you had listened to my advice, you wouldn't be in trouble now."
(Reality: You didn't listen in the past, so you are in trouble now.)
Type 2: Present Condition → Past Result
Use this to imagine how a different general situation now (like a personality trait) would have changed an event in the past.
"If I were better at cooking, I would have made dinner for you last night."
(Reality: I am not a good cook [a present fact], so I didn't make dinner last night.)
"If he weren't so shy, he would have asked her to dance at the party."
(Reality: He is a shy person [a present trait], so he didn't ask her.)
💡 Pro Tip: Using "were"
In formal and correct grammar for Type 2 mixed conditionals, we use "were" for all subjects in the 'if' clause (even I, he, she, and it). For example: "If he were more ambitious..." This is a sign of a proficient English user.
Practice Your Grammar 🎯
Exercise: Mix & Match
Complete the sentences with the correct mixed conditional verb forms.
- If I _______ (save) more money last year, I _______ (have) enough for a holiday now.
→ had saved / would have - If he _______ (be) more ambitious, he _______ (apply) for that promotion last month.
→ were / would have applied - You _______ (not be) so tired today if you _______ (not go) to bed so late last night.
→ wouldn't be / hadn't gone - If I _______ (speak) Japanese, I _______ (help) the tourist who was lost yesterday.
→ spoke / would have helped
Your Grammar Mission ⭐
Write About Your Hypothetical Life
Write a full sentence using a mixed conditional for each situation.
- Think of a different subject you could have studied. How would your life be different now? (Past Condition → Present Result)
(Example: If I had studied medicine, I would be a doctor now.) - Think of a personality trait you have. How might it have changed a past event? (Present Condition → Past Result)
(Example: If I weren't so shy, I would have joined the speaking competition last year.)
Key Vocabulary
- Mixed Conditional A sentence where the 'if' clause and the result clause are in different timeframes.
- Condition The part of a conditional sentence that states the hypothetical situation, usually starting with 'if'.
- Result The part of a conditional sentence that states the consequence.
- Hypothetical Imagined or suggested but not necessarily real or true.