Third Conditional

Exercises

Explanation

It describes:

• a past condition that did not happen

• an imagined result that also did not happen

1. Structure

If-clause (condition)

If + Past Perfect (had + V3)

Main clause (result)

would / could / might + have + V3

Examples:

• If I had woken up earlier, I would have caught the train.
  (I woke up late, so I missed it.)

• If she had checked the weather, she could have taken an umbrella.
  (She didn’t check, so she got wet.)

• If they had followed the instructions, they might have solved the problem.

The order can change:

• We would have finished earlier if everyone had helped.

Comma rule:

Add a comma only when the sentence begins with the “If…” clause.

2. When Do We Use the Third Conditional?

A. To imagine a different past

We talk about a past situation that cannot be changed anymore.

• If I had known about the sale, I would have bought cheaper tickets.

B. To express regret or disappointment

Often connected to feelings of “I wish things were different.”

• If he had told the truth, I would have trusted him.

C. To criticize someone's past decisions

Useful when pointing out mistakes.

• If you had locked the door, the bike wouldn’t have been stolen.

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

Used to show what the right action would have been.

• You should have taken notes during the meeting.

• I should have planned my time better.

3. Using Different Modal Verbs

We choose the modal verb depending on the meaning we want:

4. Questions in the Third Conditional

Use wh-word + would have + V3:

• What would you have done if you had lost your passport?

• Where would you have stayed if the hotel had been full?

5. Alternatives to if

We can use other conjunctions with a similar meaning:

Unless (= if not)

• They wouldn’t have passed the exam unless they had revised.

In case

• In case she had needed support, we would have helped her.

On condition that

• He would have joined the team on condition that they had respected his schedule.

Quick Summary

The Third Conditional allows us to reflect on the past, analyse causes and consequences, and discuss unreal or ideal versions of events. It is a valuable tool for storytelling, conversation about past decisions, and expressing how life might have been different.