‘Grammar summary ‘We use could have or might have to talk about something which was possible in the past, but which didn’t happen. We could have set up camp by the trees. (But we didn’t, ‘we set up camp somewhere else.) We might have had an accident when that boy ran into the road. (But we didn’t.) We use shouldn't huve to talk about something which was wrong to do in the past, but we did. We shouldn't have come this way. (But we did.) He shouldn't have spoken to the leader like that. (But he did.) ‘We use couldn't have to talk about a lack of ability in the past, something which was impossible to do, and which didn’t happen. (In this case, we can’t use mighin’t have.) You couldn't have done anything about it. (It wasn’t possible for you to do anything: She couldn't have avoided riding through the river. (It wasn’t possible for her to avoid it.) Practice 41 Complete the sentences with should (no!) have and could (no!) live and the past participle of the verbs. 1 We should hve eater (eat) that fruit - I'm really hungry now. 2 You... (tell) anyone about it! It was supposed to be a surprise. 3. It was. very dangerous situation. They sera (Ot) et, 4 He hada very long time to do his research. He eenensiessenee (COME) Up With more convincing, results. 5 Do you think we (ask) a guide to ‘come with us? Then we wouldn't have got lost. 6 He didn’t travel to the area,sohe _ (take) this photo. Third conditional Form ‘We form the third conditional using: If + past perfect, would have + past participle If we had planned the trip, we would have reached our destination more quickly. We wouldn't have been late if you'd checked the timetable. We can also form the third conditional with could and might instead of would. She could have visited the Colosseum if she'd gone to Rome, If you'd eaten in thet restaurent, you might have seen someone famous, ‘We can use if in two positions: # If-clause first: Ifte had planned the trip, we would have reached our destination more quickly. © Main clause first: We would have reached our destination more quickly if we had planned the trip. When the if-clause is at the beginning of the sentence, ‘we use a comma to separate it from the main clause. Use ‘We use the third conditional to talk about situations in the past that did not happen and the hypothetical consequence or result of the imagined past situation. The situation described is often the opposite of what actually happened. If Thad seen him, I would have said hello. (I didn't see him and I didn’t say hello.) If Thad travelted abroad, [would have taken my passport. Note that the contracted form of both would and hind is ‘a If Vd seen him Vd have said hello Don’t confuse the two forms. Hd is followed by a past participle: If Vd seen him, ... = If Uhad seen him, Would is followed by have + past participle: I'd have said hello, = I would have said hello. We can use could/might (not) have to speculate on a possible consequence of the imagined past situation. If ke had asked for directions, he might not have got lost. Practice 2. Complete the sentences with the past perfect simple and would have + past participle. id. drivei_.. (drive) more slowly, you (not have) an accident. __ (find) the way to the settlement if they (not lose) the map. Be you lan) the journey more if you © (know) about the problems ahead? 4 the explorers... (prepare) better, they (succeed). 5. The local people __.. (be) more friendly if we .. (understand) their language. 6 What YOU ene none (40) if (attack) you? (not feel) nervous if we (read) about their customs first. __ (want) to come with us, we (welcome) her.