When It Runs Backward

The earlier section paired a past condition with a present result. Mixed conditionals also run the other way. "If I knew Chinese, I would have gotten that contract" pairs a present, ongoing condition with a past result — the knowing is true now, but the missed contract is over.

So do not memorize formulas. Instead, ask two questions: When did the "if" part happen? When does the result apply? Match each half to its own tense, and any mixed conditional falls into place.