Classify the sentences below according to the times of the actions they are discussing.
A mixed conditional is formed when the two parts of a conditional sentence refer to different times.
In mixed conditionals, the condition or result is unreal – meaning that the action is implied but unrealized – it never occurs.
For example: ‘If we had set aside some money for marketing, we would be putting ads in all the newspapers.’
‘If we had set aside money’ is an imaginary scenario.
The result of this imaginary scenario is an unrealized consequence – ‘We would be putting ads in newspapers.’
It is implied that we didn’t set aside money, but ‘if we had done so’ this would be the result.
Mixed conditionals usually use the word ‘would’ or ‘could’ to imply an unreal condition or consequence.
What makes mixed conditionals different from regular conditionals is that they allow us to discuss conditions and results that occur at different times.
How to use Mixed Conditionals
To discuss a past action that caused a present consequence
| Past Action |
Present Consequence |
| If we had prepared a business plan last year, |
we would own a business today. |
To discuss a past action that caused a future consequence
| Past Action |
Present Consequence |
| If Sam had known about the business conference, |
he would be going to it next week. |
To discuss a future event that causes a present consequence
| Future Event |
Present Consequence |
| If you are going to request a loan next week, |
make sure you have a good business plan. |
Note: Like in all conditional sentences, the order of the ‘if’ clause and the main clause are not fixed. You can change their positions in the sentence, but the meaning will still stay the same.
