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
Hello Bruno2021,
The correct answer to that question in the test is not '...if they were here...' but '...'if they had been here...'. It follows the same rules I explained above.
Peter
The LearnEnglish Team
Thank you very much my friend , you helped me a lot.
This explanation is really helpful for me too.
Hello everyone,
I have seen several times that 'will' and 'would' can be used in the if-cluase of a sentense.
Would you please explain in what situations we can use modal verbs 'will' and 'would' in the if-clause of a sentence and what will be the structure of main clause in each case, giving several examples?
This, I think, is an advanced topic of English, usually not found in grammar books and websites. Why hasn't this topic included in this platform?
Now unimportant question: How can I change my username ShetuYogme?
Thank you.
Hello ShetuYogme,
Yes, it's possible to use 'will' or 'would' in an 'if' clause when they communicate the idea of willingness or when they refer to later results. You can find some useful examples of sentences such as in the 'Conditional clauses with will or would' section of this Cambridge Dictionary page (be sure to scroll down to near the end).
Our grammar doesn't cover every single point and focuses on the most common and most useful grammar.
Regarding changing your username, the easiest thing to do would be to create a new account using a different email address. If you prefer to keep the same email address, please contact us requesting that your account be deleted. This can take a few days, and once you have confirmation that it has been deleted, you can proceed to create a new one.
Best wishes,
Kirk
LearnEnglish team
Thank you very much for your response. The reference to the Cambridge Dictionary you gave me is very helpful in learning the nuances of if-clauses.
Regarding changing my username, I don't think it's important now. What's important is to learn English as much as I can.
I am new to this platform. I found out about your reply to my question two days later when it was answered. Isn't it possible for me to receive notifications from you regarding replies to any of my questions?
Hi ShetuYogme,
I'm afraid we don't have this feature at the moment.
Jonathan
LearnEnglish team
Hello, in sentence
Assuming you have a life plan, what will you be doing five years from now?
is it First condition or mixed (0+1)?
Thank you in advance!
Hello call_me_Margo,
I'm not sure I'd really call this sentence a conditional, but given that 'will' is used in the main clause, I'd choose first over zero if I had to.
Hope this helps.
Best wishes,
Kirk
LearnEnglish team
Not sure if my understanding is correct.
If + past perfect is to describe the different past.
would have + past participle is to describe the different results in the past.
If + past simple is to describe present/future what we might possibly do.
would + infinitive give possible results that will happen in the present or future.
Then we can match them as needed to construct a mixed conditional