Two clauses form mixed conditionals. They pertain to different times. In some cases, you can combine unreal conditional sentences. In addition, the time in the if-clause is different from the time in main or consequence clause.
First
- A variety of modal verbs can be used in mixed first conditional sentences.
If + present simple, can / may / might / will / should + verb (infinitive)
If you help me finish my task on time, I will take you out for dinner.
I can lend you some money if you want to see the concert badly,
If I let you go out with your friends tonight, you should be home by 11PM.
- Next, use going to and will in mixed first conditional sentences.
If + present simple, going to + verb (infinitive)
If you don’t take things seriously, you’re going to miss this opportunity.
- Additionally, you can use present continuous and going to in the If-clause.
If you’re going home, can you pick up Lucas along the way?
If you’re going to your hometown, make sure to pay him a visit.
- Lastly, you can use present perfect in the If-clause.
If you’ve read the first novel, you can start working on the second one.
Third and Second
- To start off, it is important to know that this pattern of mixed third and second conditional describes a present result of an envisioned past action.
If + past perfect, would + verb (infinitive)
If they had taken the train instead of the bus, they wouldn’t still be stuck in traffic.
They wouldn’t still be stuck in traffic if they had taken the train instead of the bus.
Second and Third
- This pattern of mixed second and third conditional describes a probable result in the past of an unreal action or situation.
If + past simple, would have + verb (infinitive)
If I was a good singer, I would have been more popular.
I would have been more popular if I was a good singer.
Mixed Conditionals Exercise
Answer this exercise on Mixed Conditionals.
1. They ________ dinner with us tonight if their appointment _______ canceled.
a. will not have … was not canceled
b. would not be having … had not been …
c. can’t have … were not canceled
2. If she _______ to move abroad next month, she would have accepted his marriage proposal.
a. weren’t going
b. weren’t gone
c. wasn’t going
3. If Carlo were delivering the speech tomorrow, he _______ very honored.
a. can be
b. would be
c. will be
4. If they ______ part of the EU, they wouldn’t need a visa to travel here.
a. had been
b. were
c. could be
5. If we were rich, we _______ on more vacations last year.
a. will have gone
b. would have gone
c. could go
6. If she _______ to work so much, she would have gone home earlier.
a. didn’t have
b. wasn’t
c. shouldn’t
7. If I didn’t need so many things, I _______ all of these things this weekend.
a. wouldn’t bring
b. couldn’t bring
c. would have brought
8. If I ______ better, I ______ a scholar.
a. had studied …. would be …
b. study … would have been …
c. could study … would have been …
9. If I sang well, I _____ a song for you.
a. would have sung
b. would have sing
c. could sing
10. If she _______ her homework, she can start watching TV.
a. were finished
b. finished
c. has finished
Find the answers to this exercise here.
See also: Zero and Type 1 Conditional and When and If
For additional information on this topic, check out this Education First lesson.
For other English grammar lessons, go to this page.