A conditional in which the tenses differ between the if-clause and the main clause is called a “mixed conditional.” It expresses “If ~ had happened then, ~ would be the case now.”
Basic Rules
Form of a mixed conditional:
If + S + had + p.p. (past supposition), S + would/could + base verb (present conclusion)
“If I had taken the job offer, I would be much richer now.”
← if-clause: past perfect subjunctive (past) / main clause: past subjunctive (present)
If I had saved money then, I would be able to travel now. (If I had saved money then, I could travel now.)
If he hadn't dropped out of school, he would have a better career. (If he had not dropped out of school, he would have a better career now.)
Points to Note
① Clue words such as now / today / currently: mixed conditionals are often used when the main clause expresses the present. If you see “would be ... now,” suspect a mixed conditional.
② Do not confuse the tenses of the if-clause and the main clause: if-clause = had + p.p. (past), main clause = would + base verb (present).
③ Judge from the context: “I am broke because I spent all my money.” → “If I hadn't spent all my money, I wouldn't be broke now.”
- if-clause: had + p.p. (unreal past) + main clause: would + base verb (present)
- The pattern “If ~ had happened then, ~ would be the case now”
- Words such as now/today in the main clause signal a mixed conditional
Practice
- Translate “If I had taken that medicine then, I would be healthy now” using a mixed conditional.
- Translate the following into Japanese: If he had practiced harder, he would be a professional player now.
- Rewrite the following as a mixed conditional: Because she didn't take the job, she is poor now.