Mixed Conditional
It is possible for the two parts of a conditional sentence to refer to different times, and the resulting sentence is a "mixed conditional" sentence. There are two types of mixed conditional sentence.
- Present result of a past condition
Form
If + past perfect + present conditional- If I had worked harder at school, I would have a better job now.
I would have a better job now if I had worked harder at school.
- If we had looked at the map we wouldn't be lost.
We wouldn't be lost if we had looked at the map.
- If you had caught that plane you would be dead now.
You would be dead now if you had caught that plane.
Function
This type of mixed conditional refers to an unreal past condition and its probable result in the present. These sentences express a situation which is contrary to reality both in the past and in the present. In these mixed conditional sentences, the time is the past in the "if" clause and in the present in the main clause.- If I had studied I would have my driving license. (but I didn't study and now I don't have my license)
- I would be a millionaire now if I had taken that job. (but I didn't take the job and I'm not a millionaire)
- If you had spent all your money, you wouldn't buy this jacket. (but you didn't spend all your money and now you can buy this jacket)
In these mixed conditional sentences, you can also use modals in the main clause instead of would to express the degree of certainty, permission, or a recommendation about the outcome.
- If you had crashed the car, you might be in trouble.
- I could be a millionaire now if I had invested in ABC Plumbing.
- If I had learned to ski, I might be on the slopes right now.
2. Past result of present or continuing condition
2. Past result of present or continuing condition
Form
If + simple past + perfect conditional- If I wasn't afraid of spiders, I would have picked it up.
I would have picked it up if I wasn't afraid of spiders.
I would have picked it up if I wasn't afraid of spiders.
- If we didn't trust him, we would have sacked him months ago.
We would have sacked him months ago if we didn't trust him.
We would have sacked him months ago if we didn't trust him.
- If I wasn't in the middle of another meeting, I would have been happy to help you.
I would have been happy to help you if I wasn't in the middle of another meeting.
Function
These mixed conditional sentences refer to an unreal present situation and its probable (but unreal) past result. In these mixed conditional sentences, the time in the if clause is now or always and the time in the main clause is before now.
For example, "If I wasn't afraid of spiders" is contrary to present reality. I am afraid of spiders. "I would have picked it up" is contrary to past reality. I didn't pick it up.
- If she wasn't afraid of flying she wouldn't have travelled by boat.
- If she wasn't afraid of flying she wouldn't have travelled by boat.
- I'd have been able to translate the letter if my Italian was better.
- If I was a good cook, I'd have invited them to lunch.
- If the elephant wasn't in love with the mouse, she'd have trodden on him by now.
More examples: 3.45
Mixed conditionals conversation questions
How would your country be different if someone different had won the last election? M
How would your life be different now if you had followed a different career? M
Put the verb into the correct form.
1. They would be rather offended if I __ to see them. (not/go)
2. If you took more exercise, you __ better. (feel)
3. If I was offered the job, I think I --- it. (take)
4. I'm sure Amy will lend you the money. I'd be very surprised if she ---. (refuse)
5. If I sold my car, I --- much money for it. (not/get)
6. A lot of people would be out of work if the factory ---. (close down)
7. What would happen if I --- that red button? (press)
8. Liz gave me this ring. She --- very upset if I lost it. (be)
9. Mark and Carol are expecting us. They would be disappointed if we ---. (not/come)
10. Would Tim mind if I --- his bicycle without asking him? (borrow)
11. If somebody --- in here with a gun, I'd be very frightened. (walk)
12. I'm sure Sue --- if you explained the situation to her. (understand)
Write a sentence with If ... for each situation.
1. We don't visit you very often because you live so far away.
_If you ...
2. He doesn't speak very clearly--that's why people don't understand him.
If he --- more --- people ---
3. That book is too expensive, so I'm not going to buy it.
If the book ---, I ---
4. We don't go out very often because we can't afford it.
5. It's raining, so we can't have lunch in the garden.
6. I have to work tomorrow evening, so I can't meet you.
Complete the sentences using would + one of the following verbs in the correct form:
Write sentences using promised.
1. I wonder why she's late. She promised she wouldn't be late.
2. I wonder why Tom hasn't written to me. He promised ---
3. I'm surprised they didn't wait for us. They ---
4. Why did you tell Jill what I said? You ---
What do you say in these situations? Write sentences with I wish ... would ...
1. It's raining. You want to go out, but not in the rain.
You say: I wish it would stop raining.
2. You're waiting for John. He's late and you're getting impatient.
You say (to yourself): I wish ---
3. You can hear a baby crying and you're trying to study.
You say: ---
4. You're looking for a job - so far without success. Nobody will give you a job.
You say: I wish somebody ---
5. Brian has been wearing the same clothes for years. You think he needs some new clothes.
You say (to Brian): ---
For the following situations, write sentences with I wish ... wouldn't ....
6. Your friend drives very fast. You don't like this.
You say (to your friend): I wish you ---
7. Jack always leaves the door open. This annoys you.
You say (to Jack): ---
8. A lot of people drop litter in the street. You don't like this.
You say: I wish people ---
Mixed conditionals conversation questions
If you could change one thing about your body or personality, what would it be? 2
If your house was on fire and you could only take one object, which would it be? 2
If you had a time machine and could travel to three times in history, which times would you want to visit, and why? 2
If you had $50000 and you had to spend it within 24 hours, what would you do? 2
If your house was on fire and you could only take one object, which would it be? 2
If you had a time machine and could travel to three times in history, which times would you want to visit, and why? 2
If you had $50000 and you had to spend it within 24 hours, what would you do? 2
What would you have done if you had been the leader of the country during…? 3
What would you have done in your last holiday if time or money had been no limit? 3
How would your life have been different if you had been born in a small/big city? 3
What would you have done in your last holiday if time or money had been no limit? 3
How would your life have been different if you had been born in a small/big city? 3
How would your country be different if someone different had won the last election? M
How would your life be different now if you had followed a different career? M
EXTRA PRACTICE
Put the verb into the correct form.
1. They would be rather offended if I __ to see them. (not/go)
2. If you took more exercise, you __ better. (feel)
3. If I was offered the job, I think I --- it. (take)
4. I'm sure Amy will lend you the money. I'd be very surprised if she ---. (refuse)
5. If I sold my car, I --- much money for it. (not/get)
6. A lot of people would be out of work if the factory ---. (close down)
7. What would happen if I --- that red button? (press)
8. Liz gave me this ring. She --- very upset if I lost it. (be)
9. Mark and Carol are expecting us. They would be disappointed if we ---. (not/come)
10. Would Tim mind if I --- his bicycle without asking him? (borrow)
11. If somebody --- in here with a gun, I'd be very frightened. (walk)
12. I'm sure Sue --- if you explained the situation to her. (understand)
You ask a friend questions. Use What would you do if ...?
1. (Maybe one day your friend will win a lot of money.)
_What would you do if you won a lot of money?_
2. (Your friend's car has never been stolen but perhaps one day it will be.)
What ---
3. (Perhaps one day your friend will lose his/her passport.)
4. (There has never been a fire in the building.)
1. (Maybe one day your friend will win a lot of money.)
_What would you do if you won a lot of money?_
2. (Your friend's car has never been stolen but perhaps one day it will be.)
What ---
3. (Perhaps one day your friend will lose his/her passport.)
4. (There has never been a fire in the building.)
Use your own ideas to complete these sentences.
1. If you took more exercise, _
2. I'd feel very angry if ---
3. If I didn't go to work tomorrow ---
4. Would you go to the party if ---
5. If you bought some new clothes
6. Would you mind if ---
1. If you took more exercise, _
2. I'd feel very angry if ---
3. If I didn't go to work tomorrow ---
4. Would you go to the party if ---
5. If you bought some new clothes
6. Would you mind if ---
Put the verb into the correct form.
1. If I __ his number, I would phone him. (know)
2. I __ that coat if I were you. (not/buy)
3. I --- you if I could, but I'm afraid I can't. (help)
4. We would need a car if we --- in the country. (live)
5. If we had the choice, we --- in the country. (live)
6. This soup isn't very good. It --- better if it wasn't so salty. (taste)
7. I wouldn't mind living in England if the weather --- better. (be)
8. If I were you, --- (not/wait). I --- now. (go)
9. You're always tired. If you --- to bed so late every night, you wouldn't be tired all the time. (not/go)
10. I think there are too many cars. If there --- so many cars (not/be), there --- so much pollution. (not/be)
1. If I __ his number, I would phone him. (know)
2. I __ that coat if I were you. (not/buy)
3. I --- you if I could, but I'm afraid I can't. (help)
4. We would need a car if we --- in the country. (live)
5. If we had the choice, we --- in the country. (live)
6. This soup isn't very good. It --- better if it wasn't so salty. (taste)
7. I wouldn't mind living in England if the weather --- better. (be)
8. If I were you, --- (not/wait). I --- now. (go)
9. You're always tired. If you --- to bed so late every night, you wouldn't be tired all the time. (not/go)
10. I think there are too many cars. If there --- so many cars (not/be), there --- so much pollution. (not/be)
Write a sentence with If ... for each situation.
1. We don't visit you very often because you live so far away.
_If you ...
2. He doesn't speak very clearly--that's why people don't understand him.
If he --- more --- people ---
3. That book is too expensive, so I'm not going to buy it.
If the book ---, I ---
4. We don't go out very often because we can't afford it.
5. It's raining, so we can't have lunch in the garden.
6. I have to work tomorrow evening, so I can't meet you.
Write sentences beginning I wish ...
1. I don't know many people (and I'm lonely).
_I wish I knew more people._
2. I don't have a key (and I need one). I wish ---
3. Ann isn't here (and I need to see her).
4. It's cold (and I hate cold weather).
5. I live in a big city (and I don't like it).
6. I can't go to the party (and I'd like to).
7. I have to work tomorrow (but I'd like to stay in bed).
8. I don't know anything about cars (and my car has just broken down).
9. I'm not lying on a beautiful sunny beach (and that's a pity).
1. I don't know many people (and I'm lonely).
_I wish I knew more people._
2. I don't have a key (and I need one). I wish ---
3. Ann isn't here (and I need to see her).
4. It's cold (and I hate cold weather).
5. I live in a big city (and I don't like it).
6. I can't go to the party (and I'd like to).
7. I have to work tomorrow (but I'd like to stay in bed).
8. I don't know anything about cars (and my car has just broken down).
9. I'm not lying on a beautiful sunny beach (and that's a pity).
Write your own sentences beginning I wish ...
1. (somewhere you'd like to be now--on the beach, in New York, in bed etc.)
I wish I ---
2. (something you'd like to have--a computer, a job, lots of money etc.)
3. (something you'd like to be able to do--sing, speak a language, fly etc.)
4. (something you'd like to be--beautiful, strong, rich etc.)
1. (somewhere you'd like to be now--on the beach, in New York, in bed etc.)
I wish I ---
2. (something you'd like to have--a computer, a job, lots of money etc.)
3. (something you'd like to be able to do--sing, speak a language, fly etc.)
4. (something you'd like to be--beautiful, strong, rich etc.)
Put the verb into the correct form.
1. I didn't know you were in hospital. If I'd known (I/know), I would have gone (I/go) to visit you.
2. Ken got to the station in time to catch his train. If, --- (he/miss) it --- (he/be) late for his interview.
3. It's good that you reminded me about Ann's birthday. --- (I/forget)if --- (you/not/remind) me.
4. Unfortunately, I didn't have my address book with me when I was in New York. If --- (I/have) your address, --- (I/send) you a postcard.
5. A: How was your holiday? Did you have a nice time?
B: It was OK, but --- (we/enjoy) it more if --- (the weather/be) better.
6. I took a taxi to the hotel but the traffic was very bad. --- (it/be) quicker if --- (I/walk).
7. I'm not tired. If --- (I/be) tired, I'd go home now.
8. I wasn't tired last night. If --- (I/be) tired, I would have gone home earlier.
1. I didn't know you were in hospital. If I'd known (I/know), I would have gone (I/go) to visit you.
2. Ken got to the station in time to catch his train. If, --- (he/miss) it --- (he/be) late for his interview.
3. It's good that you reminded me about Ann's birthday. --- (I/forget)if --- (you/not/remind) me.
4. Unfortunately, I didn't have my address book with me when I was in New York. If --- (I/have) your address, --- (I/send) you a postcard.
5. A: How was your holiday? Did you have a nice time?
B: It was OK, but --- (we/enjoy) it more if --- (the weather/be) better.
6. I took a taxi to the hotel but the traffic was very bad. --- (it/be) quicker if --- (I/walk).
7. I'm not tired. If --- (I/be) tired, I'd go home now.
8. I wasn't tired last night. If --- (I/be) tired, I would have gone home earlier.
Write a sentence with if for each situation.
1. I wasn't hungry, so I didn't eat anything.
_If I'd been hungry, I would have eaten something._
2. The accident happened because the driver in front stopped so suddenly.
If the driver in front ---
3. I didn't know that George had to get up early, so I didn't wake him up.
if I ---
4. I was able to buy the car only because Jim tent me the money.
5. Margaret wasn't injured in the crash because she was wearing a seat belt.
6. You didn't have any breakfast - that's why you're hungry now.
7. I didn't get a taxi because I didn't have any money on me.
Imagine that you are in these situations. For each situation, write a sentence with I wish ...
1. You've eaten too much and now you feel sick.
You say: _I wish I hadn't eaten so much._
2. There was a job advertised in the newspaper. You decided not to apply for it. Now you think that your decision was wrong.
You say: I wish I ---
3. When you were younger, you didn't learn to play a musical instrument. Now you regret this.
You say: ---
4. You've painted the gate red. Now you think that it doesn't look very nice.
You say: ---
5. You are walking in the country. You would like to take some photographs but you didn't bring your camera.
You say: ---
6. You have some unexpected guests. They didn't tell you they were coming. You are very busy and you are not prepared for them.
You say (to yourself): ---
1. I wasn't hungry, so I didn't eat anything.
_If I'd been hungry, I would have eaten something._
2. The accident happened because the driver in front stopped so suddenly.
If the driver in front ---
3. I didn't know that George had to get up early, so I didn't wake him up.
if I ---
4. I was able to buy the car only because Jim tent me the money.
5. Margaret wasn't injured in the crash because she was wearing a seat belt.
6. You didn't have any breakfast - that's why you're hungry now.
7. I didn't get a taxi because I didn't have any money on me.
Imagine that you are in these situations. For each situation, write a sentence with I wish ...
1. You've eaten too much and now you feel sick.
You say: _I wish I hadn't eaten so much._
2. There was a job advertised in the newspaper. You decided not to apply for it. Now you think that your decision was wrong.
You say: I wish I ---
3. When you were younger, you didn't learn to play a musical instrument. Now you regret this.
You say: ---
4. You've painted the gate red. Now you think that it doesn't look very nice.
You say: ---
5. You are walking in the country. You would like to take some photographs but you didn't bring your camera.
You say: ---
6. You have some unexpected guests. They didn't tell you they were coming. You are very busy and you are not prepared for them.
You say (to yourself): ---
Complete the sentences using would + one of the following verbs in the correct form:
be do enjoy enjoy phone stop
1. They helped me a lot. I don't know what I would have done without their help.
2. You should go and see the film. You --- it.
3. It's a pity you couldn't come to the party last night. You --- it.
4. I --- you last night but I didn't have your number.
5. Why don't you go and see Clare? She --- very pleased to see you.
6. I was in a hurry when I saw you. Otherwise I --- to talk.
1. They helped me a lot. I don't know what I would have done without their help.
2. You should go and see the film. You --- it.
3. It's a pity you couldn't come to the party last night. You --- it.
4. I --- you last night but I didn't have your number.
5. Why don't you go and see Clare? She --- very pleased to see you.
6. I was in a hurry when I saw you. Otherwise I --- to talk.
Write sentences using promised.
1. I wonder why she's late. She promised she wouldn't be late.
2. I wonder why Tom hasn't written to me. He promised ---
3. I'm surprised they didn't wait for us. They ---
4. Why did you tell Jill what I said? You ---
What do you say in these situations? Write sentences with I wish ... would ...
1. It's raining. You want to go out, but not in the rain.
You say: I wish it would stop raining.
2. You're waiting for John. He's late and you're getting impatient.
You say (to yourself): I wish ---
3. You can hear a baby crying and you're trying to study.
You say: ---
4. You're looking for a job - so far without success. Nobody will give you a job.
You say: I wish somebody ---
5. Brian has been wearing the same clothes for years. You think he needs some new clothes.
You say (to Brian): ---
For the following situations, write sentences with I wish ... wouldn't ....
6. Your friend drives very fast. You don't like this.
You say (to your friend): I wish you ---
7. Jack always leaves the door open. This annoys you.
You say (to Jack): ---
8. A lot of people drop litter in the street. You don't like this.
You say: I wish people ---
Are these sentences right or wrong? Correct the ones that are wrong.
1. I wish Sarah would be here now.
2. I wish you would listen to me.
3. I wish I would have more money.
4. I wish it wouldn't be so cold today.
5. I wish the weather would change.
6. I wish you wouldn't complain all the time.
7. I wish everything wouldn't be so expensive.
These sentences are about things that often happened in the past. Complete the sentences using
would + one of these verbs: forget shake share walk
1. Whenever Arthur was angry, he would walk out of the room.
2. I used to live next to a railway line. Whenever a train went past, the house ---
3. You could never rely on George. It didn't matter how many times you reminded him to do something, he --- always ---
4. Brenda was always very generous. She didn't have much but she --- what she had with everyone else.
1. I wish Sarah would be here now.
2. I wish you would listen to me.
3. I wish I would have more money.
4. I wish it wouldn't be so cold today.
5. I wish the weather would change.
6. I wish you wouldn't complain all the time.
7. I wish everything wouldn't be so expensive.
These sentences are about things that often happened in the past. Complete the sentences using
would + one of these verbs: forget shake share walk
1. Whenever Arthur was angry, he would walk out of the room.
2. I used to live next to a railway line. Whenever a train went past, the house ---
3. You could never rely on George. It didn't matter how many times you reminded him to do something, he --- always ---
4. Brenda was always very generous. She didn't have much but she --- what she had with everyone else.