What is the third conditional?
The third conditional is used to talk about hypothetical or unreal situations in the past and their hypothetical results. It is often used to express regrets, wishes, or things that did not happen.
“If I had played the lottery, I could have won.”
”He would have passed the test if he had studied more.”
“If I’d told you about the party, would you have gone?”
The “if” clause (Past Perfect)
This clause describes the condition that didn’t happen in the past.
Form: If + past perfect tense (had + past participle)
Main clause (Would have + past participle):
This clause describes the hypothetical result of the unreal condition.
Form: Would have + past participle
If I had studied harder, I would have passed the exam.
In this example:
“If I had studied harder” is the unreal condition in the past (past perfect tense).
“I would have passed the exam” is the hypothetical result of that unreal condition (would have + past participle).
MORE EXAMPLES
If she had known about the traffic, she wouldn’t have been late.
If they had invited us, we would have gone to the party.
If I had saved more money, I would have bought a new car last year.
