MIXED CONDITIONALS

EXPLANATION IN SPANISH

EXPLANATION IN ENGLISH

This type of mixed conditional refers to an unreal past condition and its probable result in the present. These sentences express a situation which is contrary to reality both in the past and in the present. In these mixed conditional sentences, the time is the past in the "if" clause and in the present in the main clause.

If I had studied I would have my driving license. 

(but I didn't study and now I don't have my license)

These mixed conditional sentences can also refer to an unreal present situation and its probable (but unreal) past result. 

If I was a good cook, I'd have invited them to lunch.

Present: I'm not a good cook

Past: I would probably not have invited them to lunch

EXERCISES

Mixed conditional practice (multiple choice after the explanation)

All conditionals – mixed conditionals, alternatives to if, inversion

Multiple-choice exercise (advanced)

Mixed Conditionals Missing Word - Advanced

ACTUALLY versus NOWADAYS

 ACTUALLY is not used to refer to time. It means IN FACT:

‘Hi, Mary. What a pleasant surprise!’ ‘Actually my name is Alice.’
I hear that you're a doctor. ~ Well, actually, I'm a dentist.
You are a doctor, right?’ ‘Well, actually, I’m a teacher.’
‘I don’t think you have sent the money, have you?’ ‘I have, actually.’
I have got a promotion. Actually, they have made me the manager.
‘Did you enjoy the movie?’ ‘Very much, actually.’

NOWADAYS, THESE DAYS or TODAY refer to the PRESENT TIME.

I don’t watch TV very much nowadays. There’s so much rubbish on. It’s not like it used to be.
These days you never see a young person give up their seat for an older person on the bus.
Today’s family structures are quite different from those of 100 years ago.
People don't wear hats much nowadays.