Mixed Conditionals

Look at this sentence. The ‘if’ clause is about the past, and the main clause is about the present.

If I had studied harder, I would have a better job.

What does this sentence mean?

Exactly! A past unreal condition has a present unreal result.

Not quite. This is an unreal conditional, so it describes the opposite of reality.

Now, look at this sentence. The ‘if’ clause is about the past, and the main clause is about the future.

If I had booked the tickets yesterday, I would be flying to Paris next week.

What does this sentence mean?

That’s right! A past unreal condition has a future unreal result.

Think again. This is an unreal conditional, so it describes the opposite of reality.

Here, the ‘if’ clause is about the present, and the main clause is about the past.

If I spoke Spanish, I would have understood what they were saying.

What does this sentence mean?

Perfect! A present unreal condition has a past unreal result.

Not quite. This is an unreal conditional, so it describes the opposite of reality.

In this sentence, the ‘if’ clause is about the present, and the main clause is about the future.

If I weren’t so busy, I would go to the party with you tonight.

What does this sentence mean?

Excellent! A present unreal condition has a future unreal result.

Think again. This is an unreal conditional, so it describes the opposite of reality.

Here, the ‘if’ clause is about the future, and the main clause is about the past.

If I weren’t moving to a new house next month, I would have adopted that puppy.

What does this sentence mean?

That’s right! A future unreal condition has a past unreal result.

Not quite. This is an unreal conditional, so it describes the opposite of reality.

Finally, the ‘if’ clause is about the future, and the main clause is about the present.

If I were taking an exam tomorrow, I would be studying right now.

What does this sentence mean?

Perfect! A future unreal condition has a present unreal result.

Think again. This is an unreal conditional, so it describes the opposite of reality.

You’ve Discovered the Rules!

Past Condition -> Present Result

If + Past Perfect, … would + base verb

Past Condition -> Future Result

If + Past Perfect, … would be + verb-ing

Present Condition -> Past Result

If + Past Simple, … would have + past participle

Present Condition -> Future Result

If + Past Simple, … would + base verb

Future Condition -> Past Result

If + were + verb-ing, … would have + past participle

Future Condition -> Present Result

If + were + verb-ing, … would be + adjective/verb-ing

Test Your Knowledge

Choose the correct form for each sentence.

Mixed Conditionals

Discover how to mix conditional verb forms for unreal situations

You’ve Discovered the Rules!

Test Your Knowledge