Grammar
Let's look at ... mixed conditionals.
We might imagine a situation in the present (If I didn’t have to finish my homework) or in the future (If I didn’t have to sit an exam next week) that could have had an effect on the past:
Present situation, past consequence: If you weren’t such a kind person, you wouldn’t have helped me. (You are a kind person, you did call me.)
Conditional sentences can be mixed if the time of the if clause is different to the time of the main clause.
| 1. Past ➨ present | If I had read the article correctly, I would have more correct answers now. I didn’t read the article and I got lots of answers wrong. |
| 2. Past ➨ future | If Martin had read the email, he would going to the fancy restaurant with us tomorrow. He didn’t read the email and he isn’t going to be at the fancy restaurant tomorrow. |
| 3. Present ➨ past | If I didn't have to study so much, I would have gone to the party last night. But I have to study a lot and that is why I didn't go to the party last night. |
| 4. Present ➨ future | If Mike weren't so nice, she wouldn't be helping you with French tonight. But Mike is nice and he is going to help you tonight. |
| 5. Future ➨ past | If Rachel wasn’t making us dinner tonight, I would have suggested that we go to that new Indonesian restaurant. But she is going to make us a dinner tonight, and that is why I didn't suggest that we go to that new Indonesian restaurant. |
| 6. Future ➨ present | If Jon were giving a speech tomorrow, he would be very nervous. But Jon is not going to give a speech tomorrow and that is why he in not nervous. |
| Situation | Consequence/result | |
| Present or future time | If + past simple | would, could, might + infinitive or be+ -ing |
| Past time | If + past perfect | would have, could have, might have+ past participle |
Read and choose the correct options.
Complete the sentences so that they are true for you.