In Mixed conditionals^x

Tam Sadek wrote: And I'd like to believe that the Flat Earth Society is correct, but it's not! By all means accept the Elementary/Intermediate English coursebook point of view, rather than what is really true. However, bear in mind that this limited view of conditional structures is not correct...

One thing needs clarifying. Mixed conditionals are pefectly valid if that is their real meaning. I think that all along the more "conservative" grammarians have been contesting their use where they are not appropriate. If I hadn't robbed the bank (then) I wouldn't be in prison (now) is a...

And I'd like to believe that the Flat Earth Society is correct, but it's not! By all means accept the Elementary/Intermediate English coursebook point of view, rather than what is really true. However, bear in mind that this limited view of conditional structures is not correct and as soon...

Hi Tanit, No I wouldn't say that for me personally that mixed conditionals are never acceptable in writing - however, written and spoken English do display different characteristics. I think that many native speakers feel that when they commit something to paper or the computer screen, then...

We say a lot of ungrammatical things when speaking, partly because we change our mind about what to say as we speak and partly because we clarify with the tone of voice and body language. However, as a well-constructed sentence I'm used to saying, and hearing, an exchange like this: Why didn't...

Thank you, Tam, for the effort you made to try to let me understand this structure. However ... Tam Sadek wrote: Perhaps this example using the Past Perfect/Past Simple will make it clearer. "We arrived late because our plane had been delayed" versus "We arrived late because our plane...

Hi Tanit, The whole mystery behind these mixed conditionals is merely context from the real life situation. As you probably know the Past Perfect is a last resort for native speakers in conversation as it can usually be avoided by using the Past Simple linked to the fact that everyone...

Thank you, Marius, for your quotations. However, I can't still understand if it's grammatically correct or if it's a substandard, but idiomatic and colloquially acceptable, mixed conditional.

I know how mixed conditionals work. For instance, I can easily understand and explain this structures If I had won the lottery, I would be rich (3rd + 2nd) and If I didn't trust her, I wouldn't have told her the whole story (2nd + 3rd) But If I knew Mary was coming, I would...

Please explain the meaning I know what mixed conditionals are, but they not always make sense.