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Ch 13

Mixed Conditionals

Past if → present result · present if → past result

Mixed conditionals — full system

Mixed conditionals combine elements from different types. They're used when the time in the if-clause and the result-clause are different.

Type A
Past condition → present result: If I had studied, I would be a doctor now.
Type B
Present condition → past result: If I were braver, I would have asked her out.

Type A: past → present

A past condition has a continuing present consequence

If + past perfect, + would + base verb (now) ✓
Example 1
If I had taken that job, I would be earning more now.
Example 2
If she hadn't moved to London, she wouldn't have her current job.
Reality
I didn't take the job (past) → I'm not earning more now (present)

Type B: present → past

A present condition affects a past outcome

If + past simple (now), + would have + past participle ✓
Example 1
If I were more organised, I would have finished on time.
Example 2
If he weren't so stubborn, things would have worked out.
Reality
I'm not organised (true now) → I didn't finish on time (past)

Side-by-side

Type A (past→present)
If she had married him, she would be miserable now.
If I hadn't left early, I would be stuck in traffic.
Type B (present→past)
If he weren't so shy, he would have introduced himself.
If I knew French, I would have helped the tourist.

Common mistakes

If I had studied, I will be a doctor now.
→
If I had studied, I would be a doctor now.
present hypothetical result → would, not will
If I would be richer, I would have bought it.
→
If I were richer, I would have bought it.
if clause = past simple (not would)
If she had been here, she helped us.
→
If she had been here, she would have helped us.
result must include would + have + PP (or just would + base if present result)

Recap

Type A
past perfect → would + base (now)
If I had studied, I would be richer now.
Type B
past simple (now) → would have + PP
If I knew French, I would have helped.
Never "would" in if
if clause uses past or past perfect only
if I had / if I were
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