Mixed Conditionals

Case A If + 3rd Conditional Clause 2nd Conditional Clause If Sally hadn’t tuned her

violin … If Tom had read the

instructions more carefully …

[states cause or reason] past

… it wouldn’t sound very nice.

… he would know what to do.

[states result] present

If + 2nd Conditional Clause 3rd Conditional Clause

If his eyes weren’t so bad …

If Anna wasn’t so clever …

[states cause or reason] present

… he would have seen the road sign.

… she wouldn’t have known how to take my blood

pressure.[states result] past

Case B

Uses1. To answer to the question ‘why?’

• Why does Sally’s violin sound okay? Because she tuned it.

• Why doesn’t Tom know what to do? Because he didn’t read the instructions carefully.

 

2. To express regret or satisfaction in the present for sth that happened in the past.

• If I hadn’t married Tom, I wouldn’t be living in Australia.

 

3. To express possibilities based on past events.• If you had kept the receipt, we would give you

your money back. 

4. Modals ‘might’ and ‘could’ can be used.• If I had started my own business ten years ago, I

might be better off by now.• If she had studied languages at university, she

could be a translator.

Wishes & Regrets

Wishes about the present & future

• I wish [If only] I had a motorbike.

= I don't have one now.

I wish [If only] + past simple

situation you’d like to be different

• I wish [If only] I didn’t have to carry my

identity papers with me everywhere I go.

= You have to.

I wish [If only] + past simple [not]

lack of enthusiasm about an obligation

• I wish [If only] you weren't leaving.

= You are leaving.

I wish [If only] + past continuous

temporary situation you’d like to be different

• I wish [If only] I could swim further without

taking a test. = You can’t.

I wish [If only] + could regret about a

personal lack of ability

Wishes about the present & future

• I wish [If only] he would change his mind and

marry Jane.= but he won’t.

• I wish [If only] you wouldn't make such a

mess. = but you will.

I wish [If only] + would to criticise annoying

habits of others

• I wish [If only] it would stop raining.

I wish [If only] + would to criticise annoying

habits of othersWishes about the

past• I wish [If only] I hadn't

eaten so much.= but you have.

I wish [If only] + past perfect

to express regrets about the past

Wishes about future events

• I wish you a merry Christmas!

I wish + [adjective] noun to express a matter of

fact thought• I hope it doesn't [won't]

rain tomorrow.• I hope you['ll] have a lovely time in Portugal (on your holiday next

week).

I hope + present / future simple

to express regrets about the past

Alternatives to ‘if’ It's time we left.

It's high time I was going.

It's [high] time + past simple / continuous

to point out that you should have already done that

I'd rather you didn't smoke in

here.

I’d rather + past simple preference about present

actions

I'd prefer it if you didn't go.

I’d prefer it + past simple preference about present

actions I'd rather be a sailor

than a soldier. (present)

I'd rather have lived in Ancient Greece than Ancient Rome. (past)

I’d rather [I’d sooner] + present simple / perfect

when comparing nouns or phrases

I'd prefer tea to coffee.

I'd prefer you to go swimming (rather than go jogging).

I’d prefer + nouns or infinitives

when comparing nouns or phrases

You look as if you're having second

thoughts. = He is having second

thoughts. He acts as if he were

in charge. = He isn't in charge.

As if [though] + present [real conditionals]

As if [though] + past [unreal conditionals]