Hypothetically speaking: An Advanced Guide to Mixed Conditionals for English Learners (with exercises)

In the world of English grammar, conditionals are essential for expressing possibilities, hypothetical situations, and even regrets. As advanced learners, you are probably familiar with the basic forms—first, second, and third conditionals. However, moving beyond the basics brings you into the realm of ‘mixed conditionals’, nuanced pronunciation, and the subtle use of ellipsis in spoken English. Here we look at how we use conditionals as a vehicle to express complex ideas, and how to move towards sounding more fluent and natural when using them.

Mixed Conditionals: Blending Realities

While first, second, and third conditionals follow predictable structures, mixed conditionals allow for greater flexibility in expressing complex ideas. Mixed conditionals combine elements of different types of conditionals to reflect situations where the time reference in the "if" clause and the main clause differ.

The best way to understand this is via an example!

Example:

• If I had studied harder (past), I would be more successful now (present). (Si hubiera estudiado más (pasado), ahora (presente) tendría más éxito).

Here, the “if” clause refers to a hypothetical event in the past, while the result reflects its impact on the present. It combines elements of a third conditional (past action) with a second conditional (present consequence). You did not study hard enough in the past, meaning that you are not as successful as you would be if you had studied. Phew! It’s confusing when explained like that. My advice is to translate the example into your mother tongue and see how the grammar differs between the two.

Here is another example to help you:

• If she weren’t so busy (present), she would have joined us for dinner (past). (Si no estuviera tan ocupada (presente), habría venido a cenar con nosotros (pasado)).

In this case, the “if” clause reflects an unreal present condition, and the main clause refers to a missed opportunity in the past.

Why use mixed conditionals?

They offer greater nuance and flexibility, especially when talking about regrets, missed opportunities, or ongoing situations affected by past actions. They allow for a broader expression of what might have been or what could still be.

Pronunciation Issues: The Subtle Challenges of ‘Would Have’ and ‘Wouldn’t Have’

When it comes to pronunciation, ‘would have’ and ‘wouldn't have’ can be tricky for learners. In everyday speech, these phrases are often contracted and spoken quickly, sometimes almost disappearing altogether.

• "Would have" se convierte en /wʊdəv/ o incluso /wʊd ə/ en el habla rápida. Ejemplo: "I would have gone" puede sonar como /aɪ wʊdəv gɒn/ o /aiwudv gon/.
• "Wouldn’t have" se contrae a /ˈwʊdəntəv/ or /ˈwʊdəntə/. Ejemplo: "She wouldn’t have known" se convierte en /ʃi ˈwʊdəntəv nəʊn/.

To practice this, write some true sentences using ‘would have’ and ‘wouldn’t have’ and repeat them many times. This will help you to sound more natural and fluent.

Ellipsis: Saying Less to Mean More

In both spoken and written English, ‘ellipsis’ refers to the omission of words that are understood from context. This happens frequently with conditionals.

Example:

• Frase completa: If I had known, I would have gone to the party. (Si lo hubiera sabido, habría ido a la fiesta).
• Con elipsis: If I’d known, I would have. (Si lo hubiera sabido, habría ido).

In the second example, the verb ‘gone to the party’ is omitted because it’s implied by the context. This is very common in casual speech, where repetition is often unnecessary.

Example:

• Frase completa: She wouldn’t have done it if she had known. (No lo habría hecho de haberlo sabido).
• Con elipsis: She wouldn’t have if she’d known.

Here, both the main action done it and the auxiliary verb had are omitted because the meaning is clear. This use of ellipsis can make conversations faster and more efficient, but it requires good listening skills to understand the implied meaning. You only really use this form if both the speaker and the listener are completely clear of the context.

The Power of Hypotheticals

As you advance in English, mastering all types of conditionals, refining your pronunciation of tricky contractions, and using ellipsis effectively will make your speech and writing more natural and nuanced. Practice is key—listen closely to native speakers, imitate their use of contractions, and apply these structures in your daily conversations to sound more fluent and confident.

Hypothetically speaking, if you had watched TV in English from birth, your English would be near-native by now. However, don’t get discouraged, you are going in the right direction, hopefully not hypothetically, but for real!

Answers: 

1. had studied / would have
2. hadn’t broken
3. hadn’t dropped out
4. ‘d be
5. hadn't forgotten / would be
6. weren’t / would have attended
7. had saved
8. wouldn’t have
9. would have loved
10. wouldn’t have met