What is a mixed conditional? Detailed structures and exercises

Conditional sentences play an important role in English grammar. Students can apply this knowledge in communication as well as in real combat exams like IELTS, TOEIC, SAT, GMAT and TOEFL. In addition to regular conditional sentences, there is a special type, which is the mixed conditional sentence. So what is a mixed conditional in English grammar? What is the structure and how to use it? Let's learn together with PREP!

I. What is a mixed conditional?

A mixed conditional is a type of conditional sentence in English to make assumptions that are NOT true, which changes the consequences in the present or past. This conditional sentence is constructed by combining a conditional sentence type 2 and a conditional sentence type 3. A mixed conditional sentence consists of 2 clauses:

• Main clause ➡ result clause.
• If-clause ➡ condition clause

Examples:

• If I saved enough money, I could have had my own house. 
• If I had studied harder in high school, I would be in a better university now.

II. Types of mixed conditional structure in English

We often use mixed conditional sentences when the situations we pose are not true (hypothetical). Following are two types of mixed conditionals that you should be familiar with. Let's learn more deeply with PREP!

1. Mixed conditional type 1 (Past ➡ Present)

Usage: A mixed conditional sentence type 1 describes an action or event that would have changed in the past, thus leading to a different consequence in the present.

Structure:

Examples:

• If I had worked harder when I was young, I could relax now. 

At present: You cannot rest because in the past you did not work hard.

➡ Provided we change the action in the past (if you had studied harder), then the present result would be different (you can rest now). 

• If she had left earlier, she could attend the class on time. 

At present: She was late because she left home late. 

➡ Provided we change the action in the past (If she had left earlier) then the present result would be different (she could attend the class on time). 

2. Mixed conditional type 2 (Present ➡ Past)

Usage: A mixed conditional sentence type 2 is used to refer to actions that if changed in the present, would lead to a change in the past actions as a result.

Structure:

Examples:

• If her English was good, she would have been able to translate this paragraph. 

At present: Her English was not good so she couldn’t translate this paragraph.

➡ If her English were better now, the past action (which was translating the text) would have been changed. 

• If he made a decision sooner, he would have followed his passion.

At present: he hasn’t decided yet, so he couldn’t pursue his dream.

➡ If he had decided a little faster now, the past action (pursuing his dream) would have been changed as well.

3. Inversions of mixed conditional

This structure combines the inversion of a conditional sentence type 2 and a conditional sentence type 3.

IV. Notes on mixed conditional

In the original conditional sentence, the if clause can come before or after the result clause. However, in the inversion of mixed conditional, the if clause must be placed before the main clause. For example:

• If I had won the lottery, I would have traveled the world. 
• I would have traveled the world, If I had won the lottery ➡ Inversion: Had I won the lottery, I would have traveled the world.

V. Exercises on mixed conditional with detailed answers

To fluently use mixed conditional structure in English, let’s join PREP and practice some of the exercises below!

1. Exercises

Exercise 1: Give the correct form of the verbs in parentheses

1. If I (study) harder, I (be) in a better job now. 
2. If she (leave) earlier, she (catch) the train. 
3. If we (not buy) the tickets, we (save) money now.
4. If he (take) better care of himself, he (not be) sick now. 
5. If she (not afraid) of flying, she (not travel) by boat 
6. If I (win) the lottery, I (travel) the world.
7. If he (practice) more, he (be) a better musician now. 
8. If she (accept) the job offer, she (earn) more money now. 
9. If I (be) you, I (choose) that major
10. If he (listen) to my advice, he (not be) in this mess now.

Exercise 2. Rewrite the sentences without changing the meaning.

1. I worked so hard last night. Now, I'm exhausted.
2. I do not have an IELTS degree, so I did not get that job.
3. My brother wasn’t allowed to go on a trip with his friends. He is sad now.
4. I don’t have time. I didn’t finish my homework.
5. I left before they came so they didn’t know me

2. Answer keys

Exercise 1:

1. studied/would be
2. had left/would have caught
3. didn't buy/would have saved
4. had taken/wouldn't be
5. wasn’t afraid/wouldn’t have traveled
6. had won/would have left
7. had practiced/would be
8. had accepted/would have earned
9. were/would have chosen 
10. had listened/wouldn't be

Exercise 2:

1. If I hadn’t worked so hard last night, I wouldn’t be exhausted now.
2. If I had an IELTS degree, I would have got that job.
3. If my brother had been allowed to go on a trip with his friends, he wouldn’t be sad now.
4. If I had time, I would have finished my homework.
5. If I hadn’t left before they came, they would know who I am.

VI. From Beginner to IELTS Mastery

Hopefully, the knowledge about mixed conditional that PREP provides will be very helpful for you and no matter where you start, we’ll guide you to success. With step-by-step lessons and targeted strategies, our courses are perfect for learners at any level below:

• IELTS study: Mastering IELTS exam from zero to hero