Advanced conditionals — mixed forms, “if” alternatives & inversion
B2 • reference
Overview
All conditionals follow normal tense logic (0: facts 1: real future 2: present unreal 3: past unreal). Advanced patterns let us mix time frames, replace if to add nuance, or invert the order for a formal style.
Will is not used in the if-clause (except for willingness/politeness: If you’ll wait here… If you would sign here…).
Mixed conditionals
Present result from a past cause (3→2)
If + past perfect → would/could/might + base
- If I had studied medicine, I would be a doctor now.
- If she hadn’t moved abroad, we would still see each other.
- Had I saved earlier, I could afford it today.
Past result from a present/ongoing cause (2→3)
If + past simple/continuous → would/could/might have + past participle
- If I weren’t so busy, I would have gone to your party.
- If he spoke German, he would have understood them.
Choose the modal for attitude: would (expected result), could (ability/opportunity), might (possibility).
Other advanced mixes
- Without / If it weren’t for + noun (= condition not met): Without your help, I wouldn’t be here. / If it weren’t for the traffic, we’d be on time.
- If it hadn’t been for + noun (past): If it hadn’t been for Jane, we’d have failed.
- But for + noun (formal): But for the storm, the match would have gone ahead.
These are concise alternatives to long if-clauses and are common in formal speech and writing.
Alternatives to if (nuance)
| Linker | Meaning | Model pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| as/so long as | requirement; neutral | Main + as long as + present | You can borrow it as long as you bring it back tomorrow. |
| provided / providing (that) | requirement; slightly formal | Main + provided (that) + present | We’ll approve the leave provided you finish the report. |
| on condition (that) | legal/contract style | Main + on condition (that) + present | Access is granted on condition that phones are off. |
| only if | sole condition (often with inversion when initial) | Only if + clause, will + subject… | Only if you agree will we publish the data. |
| whether or not | same result in both alternatives | Main + whether or not + clause | I’m going whether or not it rains. |
| even if | result holds despite the condition | Main + even if + clause | Even if you apologise, she won’t accept it. |
| suppose/supposing / what if | imagine a condition | Suppose + clause, result… | Supposing you lost your job, what would you do? |
In case expresses precaution, not a result: Take cash in case the card machine fails.
Inversion instead of if (formal)
| Form | Meaning / Use | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Should + subject + base | first conditional variant; often with imperatives in the main clause | Should you need anything, call reception. (=If you need…) |
| Had + subject + past participle | third conditional variant | Had we known earlier, we would have acted. (=If we had known…) |
| Were + subject + to + base | hypothetical future (type 2 style) | Were they to merge, prices would rise. (=If they merged…) |
| Were it not for + noun | standing alternative to “If it weren’t for …” | Were it not for her support, I’d quit. |
Negatives: place not after the subject (no contractions): Should you not wish to continue… / Had we not left early… / Were it not for…
Form & punctuation tips
- Comma after a fronted conditional clause: If you insist, we’ll postpone.
- Modal variety in the result clause: may/might/can/could/should/must show permission, possibility, advice, etc.
- Imperatives are common in real, practical conditions: If the alarm sounds, leave the building.
Exercises:
Advanced conditionals: mixed forms, “if” alternatives, and inversion
Choose the correct option to complete the sentences below.
1
If I had taken that contract, I
in Canada now.
2
If she weren’t allergic to nuts, she
the cake yesterday.
3
about the strike, we would have booked different flights.
4
any problems, call this number.
5
prices to rise further, demand would likely fall.
6
your timely email, I would have missed the deadline.
7
Only if you agree
we proceed.
8
We’ll ship today
the courier is running late.
9
the figures are accurate, our forecast remains unchanged.
10
Take a printed map
your phone battery dies on the trail.
Advanced conditionals: mixed forms, “if” alternatives, and inversion
Choose the correct option/s for each gap below.
Instruction: Some items have one correct option; others have two. Read carefully.
1
If I had taken the job, I ____ in Tokyo now.
A.
B.
C.
2
If you had listened, you ____ in this mess now.
A.
B.
C.
3
But for your help, we ____ on time.
A.
B.
C.
4
____ I known about the strike, I’d have left earlier.
A.
B.
C.
5
____ it not for the volunteers, the festival would be cancelled.
A.
B.
C.
6
____ you need any further details, let me know.
A.
B.
C.
7
Only if you ____ all the criteria will your application be reviewed.
A.
B.
C.
8
If it hadn’t been for the GPS, we ____.
A.
B.
C.
9
Supposing he ____ tomorrow, would you take over his team?
A.
B.
C.
10
____ you disagree, we’ll proceed as planned.
A.
B.
C.
Advanced conditionals: mixed forms, “if” alternatives, and inversion
Fill in the gaps with the correct form of the verbs in brackets.
1
Had I (check) the address, I would not be lost now.
2
If she (be) more careful, she would not have made that error yesterday.
3
Were the deadline (be) tomorrow, we would cancel today’s meeting.
4
Should you (need) any assistance, please email us.
5
You will not pass unless you (study) consistently.
6
Even if they (offer) more money, I would refuse.
7
Provided that the funds (arrive) by Friday, we can launch on Monday.
8
Supposing the parcel (not/arrive) today, what shall we do?
9
If he (listen) to the warnings, he would be with us now.
10
Were it not for your help, we (miss) the deadline last year.