conditional sentence type 3
What Is the Third Conditional?
Learn the third conditional definition and useful rules to use conditional sentences type 3 (Past Unreal Conditional) with structure, usage and example sentences.
Like the other conditionals, a Conditional Sentences Type 3 sentence consists of two clauses, an ‘if‘ clause and a main clause. We use different verb forms in each part of a Conditional Sentences Type 3:
Third Conditional Structure: IF +Past Perfect, Subject + would/could/might + have + Past Participle.
Third Conditional examples:
- If I had got a gold medal, I would have been happy.
- If I had met Susan last week, I would have given her the book.
- If the weather had been good, we would have gone water-skiing.
If the ‘if‘ clause comes first, a comma is usually used. If the ‘if‘ clause comes second, there is no need for a comma.
For example:
- We would have gone water-skiing if the weather had been good.
Note also that Conditional Sentences Type 3 forms can be contracted.
For example:
- Full form: If you had got up earlier, you would have caught the earlier train.
- Contracted form: If you‘d got up earlier, you would‘ve caught the earlier train.
How to Use the Conditional Sentences Type 3
The Conditional Sentences Type 3 is used to talk about things which did not happen in the past. If your native language does not have a similar construction, you may find this a little strange, but it can be very useful. It is often used to express criticism or regret.
For example:
- If Mark had come on time, he would have met them. (Regret)
- If Charlene hadn’t been so careless, she wouldn’t have lost all money. (Criticism)
- If you hadn’t lied, you wouldn’t have ended up in prison. (Criticism)
- If you had asked her, she would have helped you. (Regret)
The Third Conditional | Image
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