Third Conditional

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Third Conditional

When to use the Third Conditional?

Explanation We use the third conditional to talk about a past situation which cannot be changed. The Third Conditional is purely hypothetical. We use it to criticise. Examples If you had taken your umbrella, you wouldn't have got wet.

If you had taken a taxi, you would have arrived on time. If I hadn't said those words, we would still be friends.

And to express regret.

Formation
A conditional sentence is usually formed by two clauses: the IF clause which is the condition, and the main clause which is the result. A third conditional sentence is formed as follows: If + Past Perfect + Conditional Perfect (would have + past participle) If it had rained, I would have taken the bus (When the condition comes first we separate the two clauses with a comma.) The order is indifferent. It can also be Perfect Conditional / Past Perfect I would have taken the bus if it had rained (When the condition is placed in the second clause we dont use a comma.)

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