Mixed Second and Third Conditionals

Mixed Second and Third Conditionals

Mixed Second and Third Conditionals

These two different types of conditional forms can be mixed to express different ideas:

Third Conditional

Conditional Clause (If + past perfect) + Result Clause (would have + past participle)

Second Conditional

Conditional Clause (If + verb in past) + Result Clause (would + base verb)

1. (The condition refers to the past; the result refers to the present).

To express the present result of an unreal past condition. We use the third conditional if clause with a second conditional result clause:

Example 1: If I hadn’t met Andrew, I wouldn’t know so many superstitions. = I met Andrew. I know many superstitions now.

Example 2: If I had eatten my breakfast this morning, I wouldn't had nauseas now.

Mixed Second and Third Conditionals

Second Conditional

Conditional Clause (If + verb in past) + Result Clause (would + base verb)

Third Conditional

Conditional Clause (If + past perfect) + Result Clause (would have + past participle)

2. (The condition is about an imaginary present; the result is about an imaginary past).

To express the past result of an unreal or ongoing condition. Use a second conditional if clause with a third conditional result clause

Example 1: If I weren’t superstitious, I would have walked under a ladder. = I am superstitious. I didn’t walk under a ladder.

Example 2: If I weren't a teacher, I would have been a lawyer.