Mixed conditionals
If I had taken the job, I would be rich now: when the condition and the result are about different times.
Real life doesn't stay in one time zone! Mixed conditionals join a past action with a present result – or a present situation with a past result. They are a C1 Part 4 favourite.
Two kinds of mixed conditional
Useful variations
How it comes up in Part 4
In Part 4 you complete the second sentence with the key word, so that it means the same as the first one (3–6 words).
WOULD
If I had taken the job, I would be living in London now.
Past condition → present result: would + be + -ing.
WOULD
If I spoke Spanish, I would have understood the guide.
Present situation → past result: would have + past participle.
BUT
But for your help, we wouldn't be here today.
But for + noun = if it hadn't been for.
Common mistakes
- ✗ If I would have studied, I would be a doctor.✓ If I had studied, I would be a doctor.No 'would' in the if-clause.
- ✗ If I had known, I would be there yesterday.✓ If I had known, I would have been there yesterday.A past result needs would have + past participle; would be is for now.
- ✗ If I didn't miss the bus this morning, I wouldn't be late now.✓ If I hadn't missed the bus this morning, I wouldn't be late now.A past action in the if-clause needs the past perfect, even when the result is now.
Look at the time words: now, today, still point to a present result (would + infinitive); yesterday, last year, then point to a past result (would have + past participle).
Quick check
Complete the second sentence so that it means the same as the first. Use the key word and write 3–6 words.
🇪🇸 Guía en español: Conectores en inglés para el B2 y el C1: lista con ejemplos →