Mixed Conditional Clauses | If Clauses
There are two types of mixed conditional sentences. One of them states the present result of a past condition and the other state the past result of a present or continuing condition.
Present result of a past condition
Here we use a past perfect in the if-clause and would + infinitive in the main clause.
- If I had accepted that job I would be a millionaire
now.
- If I had married him I would live happy now.
In these sentences the time is past in the If-clause and present in the main clause. They refer to an unreal past condition and its probable result in the present.
Past result of a present or continuing condition
Here we use a simple past in the If clause and would have + past participle in the main clause.
- If I didn't love him I wouldn't have married him. (= I
love him and that is why I married him.)
- If I were invited I would have come. (= I was not
invited. Therefore I did not go)
They refer to an unreal present situation and its probable (but unreal) past result.
- If I were a good cook, I would have invited them to
lunch. (= I am not a good cook so I can't invite them to lunch.)
- If I knew English, I would have got a better
job.
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Sections in this article
Introduction To If Clauses
The Zero Conditional
The Type One Conditional
Type One Conditional- Alternate
Forms
The Type Two Conditional
Type Two Conditional- Alternate
Forms
The Type Three Conditional
Type Three Conditional-Alternate
Forms
Mixed Conditional