Grammar-third-conditional

Third conditional

Wish about the PAST

Teacher Alejandro González

GO

We use the third conditional to talk about imaginary situations in the past — things that didn’t happen but could have. It’s often used to show regret, missed chances, or to imagine how things might have turned out differently.

Structure of the Third Conditional

The third conditional has two parts: 1. If clause (condition) – If + past perfect 2. Main clause (result) – would/could/might + have + past participle

Example of Structure

If I had studied harder,

I would have passed the test.

If clause (condition)

Main clause (result)

Examples of Usage

Expressing Regret: If she had left earlier, she wouldn’t have missed her flight. (But she didn’t leave earlier, so she missed it.)

Examples of Usage

Missed Opportunities: If they had invested in that company, they could have made a lot of money. (But they didn’t invest, so they missed the chance.)

Examples of Usage

Imagining Different Outcomes: If it hadn’t rained, we might have gone to the beach. (It did rain, so they didn’t go.)

Complete the following sentences

1. If I __________ (study) more, I __________ (pass) the test. 2. If he __________ (wake up) earlier, he __________ (not miss) the bus. 3. If they __________ (save) more money, they __________ (go) on vacation. 4. If we __________ (leave) on time, we __________ (arrive) before the storm. 5. If she __________ (wear) a coat, she __________ (not get) sick. 6. If the teacher __________ (explain) better, we __________ (understand) the topic. 7. If you __________ (listen) to me, you __________ (not make) that mistake. 8. If I __________ (see) the sign, I __________ (not go) the wrong way. 9. If my parents __________ (know), they __________ (not let) me go alone. 10. If he __________ (practice) more, he __________ (win) the competition.

Thanks!