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 each sentence 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 options for the gaps in these sentences.
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
Rewrite the second part of the sentence without repeating the verb or verb phrase. Include ‘to’ when it is required. Don’t include ‘to’ when it can be dropped.
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.