Look at these examples to see how third and mixed conditionals are used.
We would have walked to the top of the mountain if the weather hadn't been so bad.
If we'd moved to Scotland when I was a child, I would have a Scottish accent now.
If she was really my friend, she wouldn't have lied to me.
Try this exercise to test your grammar.
- Grammar test 1
Read the explanation to learn more.
Grammar explanation
Do you know how to use third and mixed conditionals?
Third conditionals and mixed conditionals
Conditionals describe the result of a certain condition. The if clause tells you the condition (If I hadn't been ill) and the main clause tells you the result (I would have gone to the party). The order of the clauses does not change the meaning.
If I hadn't been ill, I would have gone to the party.
I would have gone to the party if I hadn't been ill.
Conditional sentences are often divided into different types.
Third conditional
The third conditional is used to imagine a different past. We imagine a change in a past situation and the different result of that change.
If I had understood the instructions properly, I would have passed the exam.
We wouldn't have got lost if my phone hadn't run out of battery.
In third conditional sentences, the structure is usually: If + past perfect >> would have + past participle.
Mixed conditionals
We can use mixed conditionals when we imagine a past change with a result in the present or a present change with a result in the past.
1. Past/Present
Here's a sentence imagining how a change in a past situation would have a result in the present.
If I hadn't got the job in Tokyo, I wouldn't be with my current partner.
So the structure is: If + past perfect >> would + infinitive.
2. Present/Past
Here's a sentence imagining how a different situation in the present would mean that the past was different as well.
It's really important. If it wasn't, I wouldn't have called you on your holiday.
And the structure is: If + past simple >> would have + past participle.
Do this exercise to test your grammar again.
- Grammar test 2
Hi wisefool
Using 'would' in that situation would not be grammatically correct in standard British or American English. If you changed 'don't' to 'didn't', however, then 'would' would be appropriate instead of 'will'. See Conditionals 1 for more on these two forms (first and second conditional).
All the best
Kirk
The LearnEnglish Team
Hello Ahmed Imam,
'Falls' is the normal word here. We use 'pours' to describe rainfall which is heavier than what is normal. Since your sentence is talking about what is normal or typical, 'pours' would not really fit.
You can use both 'pours' and 'pours down' with, I think, no change in meaning.
Peter
The LearnEnglish Team
Hello jiyi
Thank you -- we also wish you a happy 2019! Although I wouldn't say this sentence is incorrect, I think it would be clearer if it were changed to one of the following:
I hope this helps you.
All the best
Kirk
The LearnEnglish Team
Hello ramy brava,
That does not seem a logical sentence to me.
The phrase 'we would be getting married this year' suggests that a plan would be already in place; it means something like 'our wedding would already be planned'. However, the phrase 'if I told her' refers to a hypothetical future. This means that the time order is incorrect: there could not be a wedding plan already in place before you tell her about your love.
There are various ways to change the sentnece, but it depends what you want to say. For example:
If I had told her about my love, we would be getting married this year.
If I told her about my love, we would get married this year.
Peter
The LearnEnglish Team