MIXED CONDITIONALS

MIXED CONDITIONALSBBC LEARNING ENGLISH CONDITIONALSIf I win the lottery, I will buy a car. If I won the lottery, I would buy a car. If I had won the lottery, I would have bought a car. What are Mixed Conditionals? When we talk aboutmixed conditionals, we are referring to conditional sentences that combine two different types of conditional patterns. These combinations are not all that frequent, but the most common combination is when we have a type 3 conditional in the if-clause (if + past perfect) followed by a type 2 conditional (would + infinitive) in the main clause.

Mixed third/second conditionalWith this combination we are contrasting an imagined or real event in the past with the present result of that. Consider these examples:

If he'd taken the medication as prescribed, he wouldn't still be sick in bed.If she'd taken reasonable precautions, she wouldn't be pregnant now.If he hadn't run after the car thief and suffered a heart attack, he'd probably be alive today.

Mixed second/third conditionalThe other possibility (less common) is when we have a type 2 conditional in the if-clause (if + past simple) followed by a type 3 conditional (would've + past participle) in the main clause.With this combination, we are describing ongoing circumstances in relation to a previous past event. Consider these examples:

If you weren't such a poor dancer, you would've gotten a job in the chorus line in that musical.If you weren't so blind to his faults, you would've realized that he was out to swindle you.

First Conditionalif + present simple, will + infinitive:If I wait for Jane, I'll be late for school

This is the pattern that we most frequently associate with the first conditional, referring to future possibility or probability. But note that other patterns are also possible: we can have a modal verb, typically can, may or should, in the if-clause or main clause, as well as going to future or present continuous future. Present perfect is also possible in the if-clause.

ExamplesIf you can't understand the instructions, you'll never be able to assemble the wardrobe.If I give you ten pounds, could you get me some wine at the supermarket?If you've finished the work I gave you, you may go home now.If the weather's good on Sunday, we're going to have a picnic in Hyde Park.If you're going to write him a check, make sure there's enough money in your account to cover it.If you're coming clubbing with us tonight, you'd better get ready now.

If you should/If you happen toNote that we use should in the if-clause in the first conditional if we want to suggest that something is very unlikely. We can use happen to in a similar way or even combine them:

If you should / happen to change your mind about coming to the beach tomorrow, give me a ring.I don't expect him to, but if he should happen to show up, whatever you do, don't let him in

Mixed Conditional Exercises1. If I_____ gone to the party, I wouldnt be here now.2. Why? Where would you be if you______ stayed at home?3. I would_____ met Mr. Right and I'd be happy now.4. Are you feeling all right? Nothing would be different if you_____ gone to the party that night!5. And anyway, if you _____ gone to the party you would be a lot poorer. It was expensive!6. I know. But I wouldnt feel so bad if you hadn't_____ such a good time.

Complete the following sentences with the correct form of"have"from the list below.Drag the words in grey with your mouse.hadn't 'd had had have had