Mixed conditionals

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.

Look at the mixed conditionals in the diary entry below. Do you understand what Nica is trying to express? She was so mixed up after her boyfriend had left for Colombia and she started to keep a diary, using a lot of mixed conditionals. There are no grammar mistakes, but clarify and explain what she is really trying to say.

For further practice with the second conditional you can think of some advice to give Nica.

If you were in her predicament, what would you do?

If I were you, I would...