Conditional Type 3 - The Unreal Past

Learn how to express hypothetical situations in the past. Master the structure and usage of the third conditional.

Video Lesson

Conditional Type 3 , also called the unreal past, is used to talk about unreal or hypothetical situations in the past. It is ised to expresses regret (or relief) about things that did not happen.

Conditional Type 3

To express the unreal past (condiotional type 3), use the follwoing structure:

If + past perfect + would/could/might + have + past participle

would/could/might + have + past participle + If + past perfect

Examples:

  • If I had worked hard enough, I would have had good scores.
  • I would have had good scores if I had worked hard enough.

Instruction: Complete the sentences with the correct verb form.

Remember the structure: If + past perfect + would/could/might + have + past participle

1. If Sara (study) harder last year, she could have gotten better grades.

2. If they had listened to the teacher, they (understand) the lesson.

3. I could have bought a new laptop computer, If I (save) more money last summer.

4. If he had driven more carefully, he (avoid) the accident he had last week.

5. If he hadn't stayed late at work yesterday, he (not miss) the last bus.

6. If the players (practice) more, they could have won the match.

7. If you had followed my instructions, you (not make) any mistakes.

8. I would have prepared a delicious meal if I you were coming. (know)

9. If I (not check) my emails, I could not have seen your urgent message.

10. If you had told me the truth, I (help) you.