Casa · B2 Upper Intermediate · Lesson 1 of 20 · Step 1
Mixed Conditionals
Words · tap a card to see it used
Grammar
Mixed conditionals combine elements of the second and third conditionals to express hypothetical situations where the time in the if-clause differs from the time in the main clause. Type 1 (past condition → present result): If + past perfect, would + infinitive — e.g. 'If I had studied economics, I would be an analyst now.' Type 2 (present condition → past result): If + past simple, would have + past participle — e.g. 'If she weren't so cautious, she would have invested earlier.'
Exercises · type, then check
1. Complete each mixed conditional sentence with the correct verb form.
2. Select the correct completion for each mixed conditional.
Reading
Globalisation has reshaped the modern world in ways that previous generations could scarcely have imagined. On one hand, the liberalisation of trade has lifted hundreds of millions of people out of poverty. Countries that embraced open markets — such as South Korea and Vietnam — experienced rapid industrialisation and rising living standards. On the other hand, the benefits have not been distributed equally. Workers in developed nations have seen manufacturing jobs outsourced to countries with lower labour costs, leading to economic anxiety and political backlash. Critics argue that globalisation primarily benefits multinational corporations at the expense of local communities. If policymakers had implemented stronger safety nets alongside trade liberalisation, the transition might have been less painful. The challenge now is to find a model that preserves the efficiencies of global trade while addressing the disparities it has created. Whether nations can strike that balance remains one of the defining questions of the twenty-first century.
1. According to the passage, which countries are cited as examples of successful trade liberalisation?
2. What does the author suggest policymakers should have done differently?
Speaking · say it out loud, with a partner or alone
Writing
Write 5–8 sentences about how globalisation has affected your country or region. Use at least two mixed conditional sentences to speculate about alternative outcomes.
Check your exercises first, then mark the lesson done.