Mixing parts of 2nd and 3rd conditionals

Question

If I were you,  I would have passed the examination. Is the sentence grammatical?

Philip · Accepted Answer

It's grammatical, but it doesn't make sense to me. In American English, to pass an examination means to be successful. Otherwise, we "take" an exam. So, to me the sentence should be If I had taken the examination, I would have passed it. You may be trying to say If I were you, I would have taken the examination. I hope this isn't too confusing to you.

LeGion12359 · Answer

PhilipIt's grammatical, but it doesn't make sense to me. In American English, to pass an examination means to be successful. Otherwise, we "take" an exam. So, to me the sentence should be If I had taken the examination, I would have passed it. You may be trying to say If I were you, I would have taken the examination. I hope this isn't too confusing to you.

All right. I think I should be more specific.
What about this:
If I were you, I would have cleared the examination?
Or
If I were you, I would have passed the IELTS examination?

Philip · Answer

LeGion12359If I were you, I would have cleared the examination?OrIf I were you, I would have passed the IELTS examination?

In both sentences, you are hypothetically putting yourself in the other person's place. If you mean take (sit for the test), it makes sense. If you mean be successful, it is illogical to make that assertion.

AlpheccaStars · Answer

LeGion12359If I were you, I would have passed the examination.

These are more logical:
If I had taken the exam in your place, I would have passed it.

If I were you, I wouldn't have taken the examination. I would have studied another six months, first.

Mixing parts of 2nd and 3rd conditionals

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