Mixed conditionals are used to express scenarios where the time in the 'if' clause (condition) and the main clause (result) differ. This type of conditional is useful to describe situations that are hypothetical or contrary to past facts.
Structure of Mixed Conditionals
There are two main types of mixed conditionals: present result of a past condition, and past result of a present condition. Each has its own unique structure.
Present Result of a Past Condition
This structure is used when the condition is in the past but the result is in the present. The structure is:
If + past perfect, would + base verb
The past perfect tense is used in the 'if' clause to denote the past condition, and 'would + base verb' is used in the main clause to show the present result.
Examples with Explanations
1. If I had studied harder, I would have a better job now.
Here, the past condition is "if I had studied harder". The present result is "I would have a better job now". The sentence indicates that the speaker's current job is not as good because they did not study hard enough in the past.
2. If she had taken the medicine, she would be feeling better today.
The past condition is "if she had taken the medicine". The present result is "she would be feeling better today". This implies that she is not feeling well today because she did not take the medicine in the past.
3. If we had left earlier, we would be at the beach now.
The past condition is "if we had left earlier". The present result is "we would be at the beach now". This shows that they are not at the beach now because they left late.
4. If you had saved your money, you would be able to buy a car now.
The past condition is "if you had saved your money". The present result is "you would be able to buy a car now". This indicates that the person cannot buy a car now because they did not save money in the past.
5. If they had booked the tickets, they would be on the plane now.
The past condition is "if they had booked the tickets". The present result is "they would be on the plane now". This means they are not on the plane now because they did not book the tickets earlier.
Past Result of a Present Condition
This structure is used when the condition is in the present but the result is in the past. The structure is:
If + past simple, would have + past participle
The past simple tense is used in the 'if' clause to indicate the present condition, and 'would have + past participle' is used in the main clause to show the past result.
Examples with Explanations
1. If I were rich, I would have traveled the world by now.
The present condition is "if I were rich". The past result is "I would have traveled the world by now". This implies that the speaker did not travel the world because they are not rich.
2. If she knew how to drive, she would have driven us home last night.
The present condition is "if she knew how to drive". The past result is "she would have driven us home last night". This implies she did not drive them home because she does not know how to drive.
3. If he were more responsible, he would have finished the project on time.
The present condition is "if he were more responsible". The past result is "he would have finished the project on time". This indicates that he did not finish the project on time because he is not responsible.
4. If we were not busy, we would have attended the meeting yesterday.
The present condition is "if we were not busy". The past result is "we would have attended the meeting yesterday". This shows they did not attend the meeting because they are busy.
5. If you were here, I would have told you the news.
The present condition is "if you were here". The past result is "I would have told you the news". This means the news was not shared because the person is not here.
Exceptions
While mixed conditionals follow specific structures, there are some exceptions and nuances to keep in mind:
Modal Verbs
In the main clause, instead of using "would", you can use other modal verbs like "could", "might", or "should" to express different degrees of possibility or advice. For example, "If I had seen him, I could have told him the truth".
Inversion for Formality
In formal writing or speech, you might invert the structure for emphasis. For example, "Had I known about the event, I would be attending it now" instead of "If I had known about the event, I would be attending it now".