Mixed Conditionals

Reference

Common mistakes

1. If I had studied, I will be a doctor now. → If I had studied, I would be a doctor now.
   present hypothetical result → would, not will
2. If I would be richer, I would have bought it. → If I were richer, I would have bought it.
   if clause = past simple (not would)
3. If she had been here, she helped us. → If she had been here, she would have helped us.
   result must include would + have + PP (or just would + base if present result)

Mixed Conditionals — Exercises

Choose the mixed conditional

Circle the correct answer.

1. If I had gone to bed earlier, I _____ so tired now. (wouldn't be / wouldn't have been / won't be)
2. If she _____ so shy, she would have spoken to him at the party. (weren't / hadn't been / isn't)
3. If I had learned Spanish at school, I _____ it fluently now. (would speak / would have spoken / will speak)
4. If he _____ allergic to cats, he would have adopted the kitten. (weren't / hadn't been / isn't)
5. If we had bought the tickets online, we _____ in this queue now. (wouldn't be standing / wouldn't have stood / won't stand)
6. If I knew how to cook, I _____ a cake for your birthday last week. (would have made / would make / made)
7. If they hadn't moved to London, they _____ English now. (wouldn't speak / wouldn't have spoken / don't speak)
8. If he _____ always so lazy, he would have finished the project last week. (weren't / hadn't been / isn't)

Complete the mixed conditional

Write the verb in the correct form.

1. If I hadn't missed the bus, I   (be) at home now.
2. If she   (be) braver, she would have entered the competition.
3. If we had saved more money, we   (travel) around the world now.
4. If I   (know) him better, I would have invited him.
5. If he hadn't broken his leg, he   (play) in the final tomorrow.
6. If I weren't afraid of heights, I   (go) up the tower yesterday.

Mixed Conditionals — Answer Key

Choose the mixed conditional

1. wouldn't be — Past condition → present result: wouldn't be (now).
2. weren't — A present character trait → past result: if she weren't so shy.
3. would speak — Result now → would speak.
4. weren't — Still allergic (now) → weren't.
5. wouldn't be standing — Present result in progress → wouldn't be standing.
6. would have made — Present ability → past result: would have made.
7. wouldn't speak — Past → present: wouldn't speak.
8. weren't — always = his character now → past simple: if he weren't always so lazy.

Complete the mixed conditional

1. would be
2. were
3. would be travelling
4. knew
5. would be playing
6. would have gone