Module 5: Conditionals - Lesson 5.5: Mixed Conditionals (Combining Different Types)

Lesson 5.5: Mixed Conditionals - Combining Different Types

Welcome to Lesson 5.5 on conditionals! Today, we are moving on to Mixed Conditionals. After learning about Zero, First, Second, and Third Conditionals, we now explore how to combine different types of conditional clauses within a single sentence. Mixed conditionals are used when the time frame of the 'if' clause and the main clause are different – when the condition and the result do not refer to the same time period. This allows for expressing more complex hypothetical scenarios that span across time.

When to Use Mixed Conditionals

Mixed Conditionals are used when:

Different Time Frames: The 'if' clause and the main clause refer to different time periods – typically, the 'if' clause refers to the past, and the main clause refers to the present or future, or vice versa.
Combining Conditional Types: We mix elements from different types of conditionals (usually Second and Third Conditionals) to create sentences that express complex hypothetical meanings across time.
Linking Past Conditions to Present/Future Results: Often used to show how a past condition (or lack of it) has a consequence in the present or future, or how a present condition would have changed a past outcome.

Types of Mixed Conditionals

There are two main types of Mixed Conditionals, each combining elements of different basic conditional types:

Type 1: Past Condition - Present Result (Third Conditional 'if' clause + Second Conditional main clause): This type describes a situation where a past condition (which did not happen) has a hypothetical result in the present.
Type 2: Present/Ongoing Condition - Past Result (Second Conditional 'if' clause + Third Conditional main clause): This type describes a situation where a present or ongoing condition has a hypothetical result in the past (something that could have happened differently in the past if the present condition were different).

Type 1 Mixed Conditional: Past Condition - Present Result

Formula: If + Past Perfect, Would + Base Verb

This type combines the 'if' clause of the Third Conditional (Past Perfect) with the main clause of the Second Conditional (Would + Base Verb). It expresses that if something had been different in the past (but it wasn't), then the present situation would be different.

Examples of Type 1 Mixed Conditional (Past Condition - Present Result):

"If I had studied harder at school, I would have a better job now." (Past condition - didn't study hard, present result - doesn't have a better job) - Past inaction has present consequence.
"If we hadn't missed the flight, we would be in Italy right now." (Past condition - missed the flight, present result - not in Italy now) - Past event has present state consequence.
"If she had taken my advice, she wouldn't be in this mess." (Past condition - didn't take advice, present result - is in a mess) - Past decision has present situation consequence.
"If they had saved more money, they would be able to buy a house now." (Past condition - didn't save money, present result - can't buy a house now) - Past financial habit has present financial ability consequence.
"If I hadn't drunk so much coffee last night, I wouldn't feel so tired today." (Past condition - drank too much coffee, present result - feels tired today) - Past action has present feeling consequence.

Type 2 Mixed Conditional: Present/Ongoing Condition - Past Result

Formula: If +