Mixed conditionals

Mixed conditionals linking past conditions to present results and present states to past results

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1. 1
   Multiple choice

   If I had accepted that job in Singapore, I in Asia now.

   would be livingwould have livedwill livehad livedA past condition with a present result: if + past perfect, would + infinitive.
2. 2
   Multiple choice

   If she weren't so stubborn, she the argument with her boss last week.

   wouldn't startwouldn't have startedhadn't startedwon't have startedA present state with a past result: if + past simple, would have + past participle.
3. 3
   Multiple choice

   Which sentence describes a past cause and a present result?

   If I had studied medicine, I would be a doctor now.If I studied medicine, I would be a doctor.If I study medicine, I will be a doctor.If I had studied medicine, I would have become a doctor.The past perfect in the if-clause refers to the past, and 'would be ... now' to the present.
4. 4
   Multiple choice

   'If he spoke Chinese, he would have understood the negotiations.' What does this mean?

   He doesn't speak Chinese, so he didn't understand the negotiations.He speaks Chinese, so he understood the negotiations.He will learn Chinese to understand the negotiations.He didn't speak Chinese then, but he does now.The past simple describes a general present fact, and 'would have understood' its past result.
5. 5
   Fill the gap

   If we hadn't missed the ferry, we on the island right now.

   would bewould have beenwill bewere'Right now' shows a present result, so we use would + infinitive.
6. 6
   Fill the gap

   If I afraid of flying, I would have visited you in Canada last summer.

   weren'twouldn't bewon't beam notAlso accepted: wasn'tA permanent present state explains a past result, so we use if + past simple.
7. 7
   Fill the gap

   If you had listened to my advice, you in this mess now.

   Answer: wouldn't beAlso accepted: would not beA past condition with a present result takes would + infinitive in the main clause.
8. 8
   Fill the gap

   I would be fluent in French by now if I (practise) more when I lived in Paris.

   Answer: had practisedAlso accepted: had practicedThe condition is in the past, so the if-clause needs the past perfect.
9. 9
   Fill the gap

   If he were more organised, he his passport at home yesterday.

   wouldn't have leftwouldn't leavehadn't leftwon't leaveAlso accepted: would not have left'Yesterday' shows a past result, so we use would have + past participle.
10. 10
    True / false

    This sentence is correct: 'If I didn't lose my keys yesterday, I would be at home now.'

    Answer: FalseA past condition needs the past perfect: If I hadn't lost my keys yesterday...
11. 11
    True / false

    This sentence is correct: 'If she weren't so shy, she would have spoken up at the meeting.'

    Answer: TrueHer present personality (past simple) explains a past result (would have + past participle).
12. 12
    Discussion question

    Think of an important decision you made in the past. How would your life be different now if you had decided differently?

    Sample answer: If I hadn't moved to the capital after school, I would probably be working in my parents' shop now. And if I weren't so curious, I wouldn't have taken that risk in the first place.