Mixed Conditional Sentences

A conditional consist of two clauses: the condition or if-clause and the main or result clause. Depending on the meaning we try to convey we have many different conditionals at our exposal to express ourselves clearly. We are going to look at two mixed conditionals that express unreal situations.

Past Condition / Present Result

The first one has a condition in the past and a present result. We use it to express that if something had been different in the past there would be a present result.
For example: if we hadn't missed our flight we'd be in Spain now.
The structure is: If + past perfect, would (could, might) + infinitive.

Present Condition / Past Result

The next one has a present condition and a past result. We use it to express that due to certain present conditions something already happened in the past.
For example: if I was more diligent, I would've finished my degree at university. The meaning is: I am not a diligent person and because of this present condition I have never finished my degree.
The structure is: if + past simple, would (could, might) have + past participle.