Conditionals

Conditionals

We often hear that there are three types of conditional sentences.

However, it is possible to mix the structures to express other ideas.

They are a mixture of SECOND and THIRD conditionals and refer to hypothetical situations.

Mixed conditionals

Second conditionals refer to the PRESENT and FUTURE.Third conditionals refer to the PAST.

Remember!

Mixed conditionals

They occur when the time reference in the IF clause is different from the main clause. Let's work with some examples!

Past + Present

'If I had studied in school, I would have a diploma now.'(3rd C) (2nd C)Explanation: I did not study in the past, so I do not have a diploma now.

Past + Present

'If you had recorded the show last night, we could watch it.'(3rd C) (2nd C)Explanation: You did not record the show last night, so we can't watch it now.

Present + Past

'If I were you, I would have bought the red dress.'(2nd C) (3rd C) Explanation: I am not you, so I did not buy the red dress in the past.

Present + Past

'If the teacher were here, she would have turned on the heater this morning.'(2nd C) (3rd C)Explanation: The teacher is not here right now, so the heater was not turned on this morning.

Past +Future

'If the television had not broken, we would watch the game this weekend.'(3rd C) (2nd C)Explanation: The television broke in the past, so we cannot watch the game this weekend.

Past +Future

'If Nathan and Lisa had finished their chores, they would receive their allowance tonight.'(3rd C) (2nd C)Explanation: Nathan and Lisa did not finish their chores, so they will not get their allowance tonight.

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