Learn third conditional sentences with their definition, structure, and usage in English. This lesson is going to be very helpful for you about third-conditional sentences because it contains the easiest method and explanation of third conditional sentences with useful example sentences.
Definition of Third Conditional Sentences
Like the other conditionals, a Conditional Sentences Type 3 sentence consists of two clauses: an ‘if‘ clause and the main clause. We use different verb forms in each part of Conditional Sentences Type 3:
Third Conditional Structure: IF +Past Perfect, Subject + would/could/might + have + Past Participle.
Third-conditional examples:
- If I had gotten 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 gotten up earlier, you would have caught the earlier train.
- Contracted form: If you‘d gotten up earlier, you would‘ve caught the earlier train.
How to Use Conditional Sentences, Type 3
Conditional Sentences Type 3 is used to talk about things that did not happen in the past. 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 her 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)
Third Conditional Sentences Image
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