Mixed Conditional Sentences Part 2

Hi FBers more about mixed conditionals.

The second type is the mixed second / third conditional. This is when we have a type 2 conditional in the if-clause (if + past simple) followed by a type 3 conditional (would've + past participle) in the main clause.

In these sentences the time in the If-clause is now or always, and the time in the main clause is before now. They refer to an unreal present situation and its probable (but unreal) past result.

With this combination, we are describing ongoing circumstances in relation to a previous past event.

Example: If you weren't such a poor singer, you would've got a job on stage.

Example: If I wasn’t such a kind person, he would have been fired long ago.

Baca selengkapnya »

Mixed Conditional Sentences Part 1

Hi FBers we were asked to explain about mixed conditionals.

The first type is the mixed third / second conditional.

It refers to an unreal past condition (which cannot be changed) and its probable result in the present. They express a situation which is contrary to reality both in the past and in the present:

Example: I would be a millionaire now if I had taken that job.

Example: If you'd caught that plane you'd be in England now.

Example: If you hadn't spent all your money on clothes, you wouldn't be broke.

Note that we can also convey the same idea of past event and present result by using type 3 conditional (if + past perfect, would've + past participle) in both clauses

Example: If I'd taken the doctor’s advice, I would've recovered by now.

Example: If she had booked her flight earlier, she would’ve been on the trip by now.

Note that we use this type of conditional when we regret past action or inaction.

Tomorrow we will look at the use of the mixed second / third conditional.

Baca selengkapnya »

Zero Conditional

Do you know about the 'zero conditional'? We use the zero conditional when we talk about situations or facts that are always true. That means there is no condition under which the sentence is not true, zero conditions.

To create the 'zero conditional' we use:
If + present simple + present simple

If you put water in the freezer it will become ice
If people don't drink, they die.

A nice simple grammar point for today.

Baca selengkapnya »