B2 Grammar: Third & Mixed Conditionals

B2 Grammar: Third & Mixed Conditionals
ESL Structure Curriculum

ESL Grammar Course

B2: Upper-Intermediate

A branching path representing different outcomes based on past decisions

Third & Mixed Conditionals

Third and Mixed Conditionals allow us to talk about hypothetical situations. The Third Conditional discusses an unreal past, while Mixed Conditionals connect an unreal past to a different present.

Structures:

  • Third: `If + Past Perfect, …would have + past participle`
  • Mixed: `If + Past Perfect, …would + base verb`

⚠️ Attention: Common Challenges

1. Third Conditional (Unreal Past): This structure talks about something that did not happen in the past and its unreal result in the past. It’s often used to express regret.

  • “If I had studied harder, I would have passed the exam.” (Reality: I didn’t study, so I didn’t pass.)

2. Mixed Conditional (Unreal Past → Unreal Present): This structure connects an unreal past condition with an unreal present result.

  • “If I had taken that job, I would be rich now.” (Reality: I didn’t take the job, so I’m not rich now.)

Practice Quiz

1. If I had known you were coming, I ____ a cake.

2. If he ____ that money, he wouldn’t be in debt now.

3. We ____ the flight if we hadn’t been stuck in traffic.

4. I would be a lawyer now if I ____ to university.

5. If she had taken my advice, she ____ in this situation.

6. They would have won the game if the referee ____ that penalty.

7. If I weren’t afraid of heights, I ____ skydiving with you last year.

8. He would be healthier today if he ____ smoking years ago.

9. If the weather hadn’t been so bad, we ____ the match.

10. I wouldn’t be so tired if I ____ to bed earlier last night.