How to form and use mixed conditionals

Conditionals – What are they? Why do I learn them? Why are they important? When will I use a conditional in the real world? These are some of the many questions you might have when learning grammar in the classroom, including conditionals. 

What are conditionals?

Conditionals are sentences that express ‘if-then’ scenarios. They consist of two parts: the ‘if clause’ (condition) and the ‘main clause’ (result). You can switch the order of these clauses without changing the meaning.

Why do we use them?

Using conditionals can open up new ways of expressing ideas. They allow you to talk about scenarios in the future, in the past, and potential or hypothetical situations. 

When can we use conditionals?

Conditionals can be used in a variety of situations, including: 

• making plans and suggestions 
• giving advice 
• expressing regret 
• stating truths or habits 
• speculating 
• negotiating or making compromises 
• creating imaginary scenarios. 

Types of conditionals: a recap

Conditionals can be categorised into different types. Remember that the if-clause can go in the second part of the sentence without a change in meaning. 

Here’s a quick overview: 

Type	Structure (or switched)	Example
Zero	If + Present Simple, Present Simple	If you heat ice, it melts.
First	If + Present Simple, will + infinitive	If it rains, we will cancel the trip.
Second	If + Past Simple, would + infinitive	If I were you, I would study more.
Third	If + Past Perfect, would have + Past Participle	If I had known, I would have called you.

How to form and use mixed conditionals

Mixed conditionals, as the name suggests, are a blend of the second and third conditionals. They are used to express hypothetical situations that involve different times.

Here are the mixed conditional rules and the mixed conditional structure: 

• Past/Present mixed conditional: this form is used when something that changed in the past affects the present result.

Mixed conditionals structure: If + Past Perfect, would + infinitive (or reversed)

If I had studied harder, I would be at a higher level now.

I would be at a higher level now if I had studied harder,

 

• Present/Past mixed conditional: this form is used when something in the present is related to a past situation.

Mixed conditionals structure: If + Past Simple, would have + Past Participle (or reversed)

If I knew her number, I would have called her.

I would have called her if I knew her number, 

Mixed conditionals use and importance

Mixed conditionals are essential for expressing complex ideas across different times. They allow us to speculate about how past actions could affect the present or how current knowledge or situations could have influenced past events.

Let’s look at some examples.

1. I would be fluent now if I had learned English as a child.

This mixed conditional reflects on a past action (or inaction) and its impact on the present.

 

2. If she were here right now, she would have solved the problem immediately. 

This is a present hypothetical that links to a potential past outcome.

 

3. If I knew how important this meeting was, I would have prepared more thoroughly.

This sentence reflects on how current understanding or knowledge (importance of the meeting) could have influenced past actions (preparation level).

 

4. If we had invested in that company five years ago, we would be financially secure today.

As in the first example sentence, this expresses regret about a past inaction (not investing) and its impact on the present financial situation.

 

5. If I felt more confident, I would have spoken up during the call. 

As in example 3, this sentence shows how a current emotional state (confidence) could have influenced a past action (speaking up in a meeting).

 

Hopefully, you now know how to form and use mixed conditionals. By learning and practising mixed conditionals, you can express complex relationships between past and present, speculate about alternative outcomes, and convey feelings of regret or missed opportunities. 

What are some more examples of mixed conditionals? Share your ideas below!

Activity

Name the conditional: zero, first, second, third or mixed. 

1. We will miss our flight if we don’t leave soon. _____
2. If I had learned to swim as a child, I would be more confident in the water now. _____
3. If we lived in a warmer climate, we would go to the beach more often. _____
4. If I had known about the traffic, I would have taken a different route. _____
5. I would have greeted her if I had recognised her. _____
6. We will miss our flight if we don’t leave soon. _____
7. If plants don’t get enough water, they die. _____
8. If you had told me about your problems, I would be helping you sort them out now. _____
9. If you practised more regularly, you wouldn’t have struggled in the performance. _____
10. If they had supported the project from the beginning, we would be seeing its benefits today. _____
    

Answers

1. First 
2. Mixed (past/present)
3. Second 
4. Third
5. Third
6. First
7. Zero 
8. Mixed (past/present) 
9. Mixed (present/past)
10. Mixed (past/present)

---

Billie Jago is an ELT writer and teacher trainer specialising in digital learning materials and assessment resources. She has written for various well-known assessment titles, and writes items for high stakes exams such as the PTE, IELTS and Cambridge. Alongside materials writing, she delivers international teacher training sessions and is the founder of the ELTcpd professional development training platform and podcast. She is also the co-founder of the educational consultancy, OtterEducation.