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Mixed Conditionals

Introduction

Mixed conditionals combine the 2nd and 3rd conditional patterns.
The 2nd conditional talks about unreal situations in the present.
The 3rd conditional talks about unreal situations in the past.
Mixed conditionals mix the time reference.
Example
"If you hadn’t broken your leg, you would be able to play football today."
In this example, the "if" clause has a 3rd conditional structure ("if" + past perfect) whilst the main clause uses a 2nd conditional structure ("would" + infinitive).
This combination shows how an unreal past action has a present or future unreal result.
"If I were more dedicated, I would have studied to be a doctor."
In this example, the "if" clause has a 2nd conditional structure ("if" + past simple) whilst the main clause uses a 3rd conditional structure ("would have" + past participle).
This combination illustrates how a continuing condition influenced a past situation.
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