Mixed Conditionals (FCE – B2 Level)

1. Introduction

At B2 level, learners are expected not only to recognise grammatical structures, but also to understand why and when they are used. One of the topics that often causes confusion at this stage is mixed conditionals.

Mixed conditionals are used to talk about imaginary situations where the time in the condition is different from the time in the result. In most cases, they describe how a past action affects the present situation.

2. What Are Mixed Conditionals?

A mixed conditional combines elements of the third conditional and the second conditional.

Example:

If I had studied harder at school, I would have a better job now.

The condition refers to the past, while the result describes the present.

3. When Do We Use Mixed Conditionals?

We use mixed conditionals to express:

• regret about past decisions
• criticism of past behaviour
• explanations of present situations
• hypothetical reflections about life choices

Examples:

• If she had taken the job, she wouldn’t be unemployed now.
• If we had listened to his advice, we wouldn’t be in this situation now.
• If he hadn’t been so careless, he wouldn’t suffer from back pain now.

4. Common Mistakes at B2 Level

Always check the time reference before choosing the verb form. Ask yourself whether the cause is in the past and whether the result is in the present.

5. Mixed Conditionals vs Other Conditionals

6. Exam Focus: FCE Use of English