Lesson focus

Complex hypothetical relationships across different time frames, including mixed second and third conditionals

Advanced aim: Interpret and produce hypothetical relationships that cross time frames, especially present causes with past results and past causes with present results.

Past condition, present result

Use had + past participle in the if-clause and would + base form for a present result of an unreal past condition.

• Example: If I had accepted the promotion, I would be living in Brussels now.
• In another context: Separate scenario: If I had accepted the promotion, I would be living in Brussels now.

C1 focus: Choose this form for the intended meaning and discourse effect; nearby alternatives may be grammatical but can change viewpoint, scope, time reference or register.

Present condition, past result

Use a past-form unreal present condition with would have + past participle for a past consequence.

• Example: If she were more decisive, she would have rejected the offer immediately.
• In another context: Follow-up case: If she were more decisive, she would have rejected the offer immediately.

C1 focus: Choose this form for the intended meaning and discourse effect; nearby alternatives may be grammatical but can change viewpoint, scope, time reference or register.

Third conditional

Use the third conditional for unreal past conditions and unreal past results.

• Example: If we had checked the figures, we would have spotted the discrepancy.
• In another context: If we had checked the projections, we would have spotted the accounting difference.

C1 focus: Choose this form for the intended meaning and discourse effect; nearby alternatives may be grammatical but can change viewpoint, scope, time reference or register.

Second conditional

Use the second conditional for hypothetical or unlikely present/future situations.

• Example: If the company were more transparent, customers might trust it more.
• In another context: If the publishing group were more transparent, end users might trust it more.

C1 focus: Choose this form for the intended meaning and discourse effect; nearby alternatives may be grammatical but can change viewpoint, scope, time reference or register.

Modal result

Could and might can replace would when the result expresses ability or possibility.

• Example: If we had more time, we could test the system more thoroughly.
• In another context: If we had more time, we could test the booking platform more thoroughly.

C1 focus: Choose this form for the intended meaning and discourse effect; nearby alternatives may be grammatical but can change viewpoint, scope, time reference or register.

Past cause, continuing result

A mixed conditional can connect a past decision with a state that still holds now.

• Example: If they hadn't closed the local office, we would still have a support team here.
• In another context: Follow-up case: If they hadn't closed the local office, we would still have a support team here.

C1 focus: Choose this form for the intended meaning and discourse effect; nearby alternatives may be grammatical but can change viewpoint, scope, time reference or register.

Present trait, past consequence

A present characteristic can be the hypothetical cause of a past result.

• Example: If he weren't so cautious, he might have invested earlier.
• In another context: Alternative case study: If he weren't so cautious, he might have invested earlier.

C1 focus: Choose this form for the intended meaning and discourse effect; nearby alternatives may be grammatical but can change viewpoint, scope, time reference or register.

Were for formal unreality

Were is common for all persons in formal unreal conditionals, especially with be.

• Example: If the evidence were stronger, the conclusion would be more convincing.
• In another context: If the audit evidence were stronger, the conclusion would be more convincing.

C1 focus: Choose this form for the intended meaning and discourse effect; nearby alternatives may be grammatical but can change viewpoint, scope, time reference or register.

Could have result

Could have + past participle can express an unreal past possibility dependent on a condition.

• Example: If you'd told me earlier, I could have rearranged the schedule.
• In another context: Separate scenario: If you'd told me earlier, I could have rearranged the schedule.

C1 focus: Choose this form for the intended meaning and discourse effect; nearby alternatives may be grammatical but can change viewpoint, scope, time reference or register.

Might now result

Might can make the present result of a mixed conditional less certain.

• Example: If the team had received better training, they might be performing more confidently now.
• In another context: If the advisory group had received better training, they might be performing more confidently now.

C1 focus: Choose this form for the intended meaning and discourse effect; nearby alternatives may be grammatical but can change viewpoint, scope, time reference or register.