Conditional Type 3

Introduction

Conditional type 3 is used to talk about past situations or events that are opposite to the speaker’s wish. That is, the speaker regrets having done (or not having done) something .

Conditional type 3: Notes

FORM	USE/FUNCTION
If + past perfect (if-clause) + would/could/might have+past participle (main clause)	Conditional type 3 refers to past situations that are very often opposite to reality/facts. That is, situations or events which the speaker regrets.

Examples

Conditional sentence	Meaning
1. If I had found her address, I would have sent her an invitation.	I didn’t sent her an invitation because I didn’t find her address
2. If I had studied well, I might have passed the exam.	I didn’t pass the exam because I didn’t study well.
3. I could have helped you if you had asked me.	I didn’t help you because you didn’t ask me.

Remarks

If the “if” clause comes first, a comma is usually used. If the “if” clause comes second, there is no need for a comma: If it had been sunny, we would have gone to the park. = We would have gone to the park If it had been sunny.

2. In most conditional sentences,’’ when’’ means the same thing as ‘’if’’: if/when it had been sunny, we would have gone to the park.

3. The past situations or events are opposite to the speaker’s wish.