Third Conditional

Exercises

Explanation

1. Structure

If clause (condition)

If + Past Perfect (had + V3)

Main clause (result)

would / could / might + have + V3

Examples:

• If I had studied more, I would have passed the test.
  (But I didn’t study, so I didn’t pass.)

• If she had left earlier, she could have caught the bus.
  (She left late, so she missed it.)

• If they had listened, they might have understood the instructions.

You can change the order:

• We would have enjoyed the trip if the weather had been better.

Comma rule:
Use a comma only if the sentence starts with If…

2. When Do We Use the Third Conditional?

A. To imagine a different past

We talk about a situation that is finished and cannot be changed.

• If I had taken my umbrella, I wouldn’t have got wet.

B. To express regret or disappointment

• If he had apologized, I would have forgiven him.

• If I had known about the event, I would have joined you.

C. To criticize someone’s past action

• If you had checked the map, we wouldn’t have been late.

D. To give advice about the past (using “should have”)

• You should have asked for help.

• I should have saved more money.

3. Using Different Modal Verbs

You can replace would with other modal verbs to show meaning:

4. Questions in the Third Conditional

Use a wh-word + would have + V3.

• What would you have done if you had been there?

• Where would you have gone if you had had more time?

5. Alternatives to if

Sometimes we use other words with similar meaning:

• Unless (= if not)
  They wouldn’t have succeeded unless they had worked together.

• In case
  In case she had needed help, we would have supported her.

• On condition that
  He would have stayed on condition that they had treated him fairly.

Quick Summary

The Third Conditional helps us talk about lost opportunities, past mistakes, and unreal situations. It’s useful for storytelling, reflection, and expressing how things could have been.