Learn: have you ever thought about something that already happened and wished you could change it? Maybe you’ve said to yourself: “If only I had gone to bed earlier…” or “If I hadn’t eaten so much pizza, I wouldn’t have felt so sick…” These thoughts don’t change the past – but they show how we reflect on it. They help us imagine what could have happened, if only things had been different. That’s exactly what Conditional Type 3 is for – it’s the grammar of regret, reflection, and life lessons.
Revise: before we explore Conditional Type 3, let’s take a quick look back at what you already know. In form 7, you learned Conditional Type 1 and Conditional Type 2 – they help us talk about real and imaginary situations in the present or future. Revise here: Conditional Type 1, Conditional Type 2
Now, let's dig in! Watch the video about the usage and formation of Conditional Type 3.
Key Takeaways:
What it’s about
We use the Third Conditional to talk about unreal situations in the past — things that didn’t really happen.
It shows that we cannot change the past, but we can talk about it and imagine a different result.
We use the Third Conditional to talk about unreal situations in the past — things that didn’t really happen.
It shows that we cannot change the past, but we can talk about it and imagine a different result.
It is used:
1. to show regret:
If I had taken better care of myself, I wouldn’t have got sick.
2. to tell someone off or criticise past behaviour:
If you hadn’t been so rude, they would have invited you back.
3. to express frustration:
If I hadn’t driven so fast, I wouldn’t have been fined.
If I had taken better care of myself, I wouldn’t have got sick.
2. to tell someone off or criticise past behaviour:
If you hadn’t been so rude, they would have invited you back.
3. to express frustration:
If I hadn’t driven so fast, I wouldn’t have been fined.
The Structure
The Third Conditional always has two parts — an if-clause (the condition) and a main clause (the imagined result).
In the if-clause, we use the Past Perfect tense (had + past participle).
This part describes the unreal condition — something that did not really happen in the past.
The Third Conditional always has two parts — an if-clause (the condition) and a main clause (the imagined result).
In the if-clause, we use the Past Perfect tense (had + past participle).
This part describes the unreal condition — something that did not really happen in the past.
In the main clause, we use would have + past participle.
This part shows the imagined result — what could have happened if the past had been different.
Example:
If I had left earlier (the condition), I wouldn’t have missed my flight (result).
Other modals you can use
Would have – the most common; shows certainty about what would have happened.
Could have – shows possibility or ability:
If you had lent me your car, I could have got there faster.
Might have – shows probability (we are not sure):
If she had studied more, she might have passed.
Would have – the most common; shows certainty about what would have happened.
Could have – shows possibility or ability:
If you had lent me your car, I could have got there faster.
Might have – shows probability (we are not sure):
If she had studied more, she might have passed.
You studied Past Perfect in form 8. Revise it here: Past Perfect
Atsauce:
mmmEnglish "Third Conditional Sentences + Examples | English Grammar Lesson" on youtube.com