Would have done if you didnt have to

Question

Hi,“We would have got there in time if you didn’t have to stop by the grocery shop on our way there.”We would have got there in time if you hadn’t had to stop by the grocery shop on our way there.”I heard the first one in a movie and I was wondering what the difference is between the two of them. Am I putting an emphasis on something else in the one with the mixed conditional? Thank you.

CalifJim · Accepted Answer

Ann225I was wondering what the difference is between the two of them.

There is no difference intended. It is common to substitute the past for the past perfect in third conditionals, particularly when the verb is stative, as you have here.

Actually, as you probably already know, it's common to substitute the past for the past perfect in general — not just in third conditionals — when it's obvious what the time sequence is.

Ann225Am I putting an emphasis on something else in the one with the mixed conditional?

No. Technically it is a mixed conditional, but I wonder if we shouldn't start calling it the colloquial variant of the third conditional.

Personally, I find the mixed version a bit off. It just doesn't sound quite right to me unless it's supposed to be sarcastic, showing displeasure that this stop which delayed everything was really not necessary. But that's another can of worms.

CJ

Would have done if you didnt have to

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