1. The third conditional


2. The structure of the third conditional
The third conditional has the following structure:
Remember that to make the participle we must take into account whether the verb is regular (will be formed by adding the particle -ed at the end of the verb) or irregular (3rd column of the list of irregular verbs).
Sometimes, instead of would other modal verbs such as could or might can be used:
Third conditional | |
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WOULD | If I had remembered it was your birthday, I would have bought you a present. |
COULD | If I had saved my money, I could have gone on holiday. |
MIGHT | If we had had time, we might have gone to the beach. |
Another feature of conditionals is that the order of the two phrases can be changed. If we start with the condition (If) we will separate them with a comma. If we start with the phrase that expresses the result it is not necessary to put the comma.
3. How is the third conditional used?
- To refer to situations from the past that never happened and imagine what results they would have had.If I had had famous parents, I would have had an amazing life.If you had helped me, I wouldn't have failed the exam.
- To express regret for not having done an action in the past.If I'd worked harder, I'd have got a promotion.If I 'd been careful, I wouldn't have cut myself.It should be noted that the contracted form of had, like the one of would is 'd.
Remember!
Structure |
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If + PAST PERFECT, + WOULD + HAVE + VERB IN PAST PARTICIPLE |
Uses | Examples |
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To express possible results to situations that did not occur in the past. | If you had come earlier, you would have had a better seat. |
To express regret for not having done an action in the past. | If I had taken an umbrella, I wouldn't have got wet. |