MIXED CONDITIONALS

How conditional sentences are mixed

Unreal conditionals (type II + III) sometimes can be mixed, that is, the time of the if clause is different from the one of the main clause.

1. Past → Present

• If I had taken an aspirin, I wouldn't have a headache now.

2. Past → Future

• If I had known that you are going to come by tomorrow, I would be in then.

3. Present → Past

• If she had enough money, she could have done this trip to Hawaii.

4. Present → Future

• If I were you, I would be spending my vacation in Seattle.

5. Future → Past

• If I weren't flying to Detroit, I would have planned a trip to Vancouver.

6. Future → Present

• If I were taking this exam next week, I would be high-strung.

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Explanation

• Conditional sentences, if-clauses type I, II, III – Summary
• Conditional sentences – type I
• Conditional sentences – type II
• Conditional sentences – type III
• if I were you or if I was you
• Mixed conditionals
• Real and unreal conditionals, Modals and position of if-clauses
• Replacing if – Omitting if – if vs. when – in case vs. if
• will and would in if-clauses

taken from http://www.englisch-hilfen.de/en/grammar/mixed_conditionals.htm