Mixed conditional

Question

Hi everyone. I have a question about the mixed conditional? Here is my question. In the situation, the speaker performed a task in the past, but now he finds out he could have performed this task in the future (this weekend). He says:

Had I known that, I would have done it on Saturday! (next Saturday)

or is it

Had I known that, I would do it on Saturday! (next Saturday)

The mixed condition rule says it should be "would do it". But something seems odd about this construction, so maybe the first one?

Please help! Thanks

AlpheccaStars · Accepted Answer

anonymousHere is my question. In the situation, the speaker performed a task in the past, but now he finds out he could have performed this task in the future (this weekend).

In the situation, the speaker performed a task in the past, but now he finds out he could have scheduled this task to be done in the future.

In the situation, the speaker performed a task in the past, but now he finds out he could have postponed it for a future date.

You need a verb like "schedule" or "delay" or "postpone." That is an action performed before a future action.

AlpheccaStars · Answer

Had I known that, I would have scheduled it for next Saturday! (next Saturday)

Had I known that, I would have put it on the calendar for Saturday! (next Saturday)

CalifJim · Answer

anonymousThe mixed condition rule says it should be "would do it". But something seems odd about this construction, so maybe the first one?

Yes. Given the choice between those sentences, that's what I would do.

Had I known that, I would have done it on Saturday!

But if you want the time line to be clearer than your first sentence actually makes it, you can write it like this:

Had I known that, I would have waited until this coming Saturday to do it.

— even though I admit it's a less elegant way (or more ordinary way) of saying 'schedule' or 'postpone' as A.S. suggested.

CJ

Mixed conditional

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