Type 3 conditional sentences in English examples. The third type of conditional sentences in English - The Third Conditional

On the pages of our website we have already told you about conditional sentences and. It's time to talk about third type of conditional sentences:Conditional 3. This construction is usually studied at the level Intermediate, when students are already familiar with forms and the Past Perfect Continuous.

The conditional sentence itself consists of two parts: conditional part (if-clause or conditional clause) And main part(main clause) The third type of conditional sentence usually looks like this:

In the conditional part (after if) it is used, and in the main part would have with a verb in the third form (V3):

If we had left earlier, we would have caught a train. - If we had left earlier, we would have caught the train.

If he had studied better, he would have got a job. - If he had studied better, he would have gotten a job.

Of course, you can use negations in both parts of the conditional sentence:

If we had left earlier, we wouldn't have missed the train. - If we had left earlier, we would not have missed the train.

If he had worked better, he wouldn't have been fired. - If he had worked better, he wouldn't have been fired.

If I hadn't called you, you wouldn't have known the news. - If I hadn't called you, you wouldn't have heard the news.

Conditional 3 sentences are really long and scary. It's not clear why you can't just use ? To answer this question, let's look at the values ​​of Conditional 3.

Conditional sentences of the third type convey an imaginary, impossible situation in the past. It happens that you would like to change something in the past, to act differently, but time has already passed and changes are impossible. Or, on the contrary, everything happened successfully, and you talk about what would have happened if the conditions had been different. It is for these purposes that they exist .

Let's look at the basic values Conditional 3 .

1. An imaginary situation in the past; alternative reality situation:

If I had bought that watch yesterday, I would have spent all my money. - If I had bought that watch yesterday, I would have spent all my money. (But I didn’t buy them, so I have the money)

If we hadn't known Alex, we would have believed him. - If we didn't know Alex, we would believe him. (But we know the deceiver Alex, so we didn't believe him.)

2. Regret about an action in the past, a desire to change the past:

If I hadn't been so rude to him, we wouldn't have discussed. “If I hadn’t been rude to him, we wouldn’t have had a fight.” (But I was rude to him and we had a fight, so I'm sorry.)

If I had told her the way, she wouldn't have got lost. - If I had told her the way, she wouldn't have gotten lost. (But I didn't tell her the way, and now I regret it.)

3. Criticism of the perfect action. When the speaker seems to say: “I know what I should have done”:

If you had set up an alarm clock, you wouldn't have been late. - If you set the alarm clock, you wouldn't be late. (But you so-and-so, didn't set the alarm clock, and were late.)

If they hadn't hesitated, they would have got control of the situation. - If they had not hesitated, they would have gained control of the situation. (But they missed the time, and therefore the speaker criticizes them.)

Let's return to the question of times. Is it necessary to use? If you use instead of the Past Perfect, you get: an unreal action in the present. Let's compare:

Conditional 2	Conditional 3
I am not cold now. If I were cold, I would wear a coat. - To menot nowCold. If I was cold, I would wear a coat.	I wasn't cold yesterday. If I had been cold, I would have worn a coat. - To meNotwasColdyesterday. If I were cold, I would wear a coat.
He doesn't know Mary. If he knew her, he would ask her out. - HeNotknowsMary. If he knew her, he would have asked her out.	He didn't know Mary. If he had known her, he would have asked her out. - HeNotknewMary. If he knew her, he would have asked her out on a date.

If you say about the past, and you want to show that the action relates not to the present, but to the past, then you only need to use Conditional 3.

Please note the abbreviations: conditional part had is abbreviated, and in basic There are two possible options: you can shorten would or have :

If I"d (had) read that book, I"d (would) have known the answer.

If I"d (had) read that book, I would"ve (have) known the answer.

In colloquial speech, abbreviations are commonly used, so be careful.

Instead of would Other modal verbs may be used: could, might or should. The choice of verb depends on what you want to express.

Could- opportunity in the past:

If he hadn't been drunk, he could have driven a car. - If he hadn't been drunk, he could have driven a car.

If we had been friends with them, we could have asked for help. - If we were friends with them, we could ask for help.

Might- probability in the past:

If he hadn't dropped out, he might have become a scientist. - If he hadn't dropped out, he might have become a scientist.

If she had said "Yes", we might have been a nice couple. - If she had said yes, we could have been a beautiful couple.

Should- expression of recommendation:

If you had known about their plan, you should have told me. “If you knew about their plans, you should have told me.”

If she had helped us, we should have thanked her. - If she helped us, we should thank her.

For expressions of criticism in English there is a separate construction should have done, you can learn more about it from this.

To express criticism about actions taken, conditional part use If I had been you or If I had been in your position:

If I had been you, I would have told the truth. - If I were you, I would tell the truth.

If I had been in your position, I would have accepted the job offer. - If I were you, I would accept the job offer.

Compare with the construction If I were you, which expresses a real action. You can read more about it in.

Can be used instead Past Perfect Continuous when you need to pass a long action:

If I hadn't been wearing a hat, I would have got a sunstroke. - If I hadn't been wearing a hat, I would have gotten a sunstroke.

If we hadn't been friends for years, we wouldn't have understood each other. - If we had not been friends for many years, we would not have understood each other.

So, Conditional 3 denotes imagining an action in the past, an impossible action in the past, regret about the past, or criticism of an action performed. Formed Conditional 3 in the following way:

We really hope that this article helped you understand and learn how to use conditional sentences of the third type. We wish you continued success in learning English!

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In conditional sentences of the 3rd type, the past perfect tense is used in the if clause, and the perfect conditional tense or perfect continuous conditional tense is used in the main clause.

As with all types of conditionals, the order of simple clauses is not fixed. You can change pronouns or add punctuation when you rearrange simple sentences, the meaning remains the same.

Examples

• If it had rained, you would have gotten wet.
• You would have gotten wet if it had rained.
• You would have passed your exam if you had worked harder.
• If you had worked harder, you would have passed your exam.
• I would have believed you if you hadn't lied to me before.
• If you hadn't lied to me before, I would have believed you.

Function

Type 3 conditionals refer to impossible conditions in the past and their possible outcome in the past. Such sentences really express only a hypothesis and are unrealistic because it is too late both for the condition and for its result. Type 3 sentences always imply something or express regret. The reality is the opposite or goes against what the sentence says. In conditional sentences of the 3rd type, time past, and the situation hypothetical.

Examples

• If I had worked harder I would have passed the exam. (But I didn't work hard, and I didn't pass the exam.)
• If I had known you were coming I would have baked a cake. (But I didn't know and I didn't bake a cake.)
• I would have been happy if you had called me on my birthday. (But you didn't call me and I am not happy.)

In Type 3 sentences, you can also use modals instead of "would" to express a degree of confidence, permission, or recommendation.

Examples

• If I had worked harder I might have passed the exam.
• You could have been on time if you had caught the bus.
• If he called you, you could go.
• If you bought my school supplies for me, I might be able to go to the park.

Abbreviations

AND would And had can be reduced to "d, which can be confusing if you're not sure about type 3 conditionals. Remember 2 rules:
1. would never appears in an if-clause If "d appears in a subordinate clause, then it must be followed by had.
2. had never worth it have If "d appears after the pronoun before have, it must come with would.

Examples

• If I"d known you were in hospital, I"d have visited you.
• If I had known you were in hospital, I would have visited you.
• I"d I"d known it was your birthday.
• I would have you bought a present if I had known it was your birthday.
• If you"d given me your e-mail, I"d have written to you.
• If you had given me your e-mail, I would have written to you.

Perfect conditional tense

A verb in the perfect conditional tense consists of three elements:
would + have + past participle
Have, which comes before the past participle, is also used in other constructions. And it's called the "perfect infinitive".

Subject	+would	+ have	+ past participle
He	would	have	gone
They	would	have	stayed

To Go: perfect conditional tense

Affirmative form	Negative form	Interrogative form	Negative interrogative form
I would have gone	I wouldn't have gone	Would I have gone?	Wouldn't I have gone?
You would have gone	You wouldn't have gone	Would you have gone?	Wouldn't you have gone?
He would have gone	He wouldn't have gone	Would he have gone?	Wouldn't he have gone?
She would have gone	She wouldn't have gone	Would she have gone?	Wouldn't she have gone?
We would have gone	We wouldn't have gone	Would we have gone?	Wouldn't we have gone?
They would have gone	They wouldn't have gone	Would they have gone?	Wouldn't they have gone?

In our everyday speech, we constantly use constructions that express certain conditions. In English, sentences containing the word “if” are very common. In English, these sentences are considered quite difficult to learn, but if desired, they can be quickly mastered. This article will examine in more detail the third type of conditional sentences and a comparative analysis with other types.

How are they formed

Usually divided into three types depending on how likely the situation is to unfold in the present, past or future. These three types are the main ones, but there are other mixed types.

It traditionally has two parts: condition and outcome (result). The first one is quite easy to recognize - it always has an if at the beginning of the words. The result tells us what will happen if some condition is met. There are four basic types of sentence data in English:

• 0th (Zero Conditional);
• 1st (1st Conditional);
• 2nd (2nd Conditional);
• 3rd (3rd Conditional).

We will consider the last type of conditional sentences in more detail. Events of this type belong to the past tense; they could have happened, but did not happen for some reason.

For all these types, various aspectual and tense forms are used, which provide their own formulas for constructing sentences.

The word if (that is, the beginning of the condition) can come either at the beginning or in the middle of the sentence. In Russian, the condition is always separated from the result by a comma. is set only when the condition comes at the beginning.

Conditional sentences of type 3 in English

This type of proposal is unrealistic. Conditional sentences of type 3 in English are the most complex among the others - the subjunctive type. The action in the third type belongs to the past, time has long expired, and there is no possibility of performing this action, which is dependent on this condition, since the situation is already in the past. Conditional sentences of type 2 in English concern a situation that occurs in the present, but it is improbable in its essence. To summarize, we can say that the condition in the if-clause cannot be implemented, it is unrealistic and contradicts the real situation. Conditional sentences of type 1 in English, on the contrary, talk about a real situation in the present tense, something that can actually happen.

Examples and formula for using type 3 conditional sentences

The third type can be called the “unreal past.” Its whole essence lies in one simple phrase: regret about the past. Something happened a long time ago, and there is some regret and worry about it, but it is no longer possible to change the situation. This is unrealistic, since a lot of time has passed, and, as the saying goes, “the past cannot be returned.” At its core, the third type is the only type that refers to the past period of time.

If I hadn’t overslept, I wouldn’t have been late in the office for consultation. - If I hadn’t overslept, I wouldn’t have been late for the office consultation.

If she had been more responsive, she would have been promoted three years ago. - If she had been more responsible, she would have been promoted three years ago.

Also, conditional sentences of type 3 in English are used when people condemn any actions that happened in the past and which cannot be changed.

If you had read attentively this book, you wouldn’t have done many errors. - If you had read the book carefully, you would not have made many mistakes.

If he hadn’t left his flat “s door open, it wouldn’t have been burgled. - If you hadn’t left the apartment door open, then the apartment wouldn’t have been robbed.

Type 3 is also used when it is necessary to report on long-past events that have a positive impact on the present.

She wouldn’t have prepared this pie if she hadn’t got so much commendation. “He wouldn’t have made this pie if he hadn’t received so much advice.”

If I hadn't loved you, I wouldn't have married you. - If I didn’t love you, I wouldn’t have married you.

Pay attention to the aspect that conditional sentences of type 3, as well as type 2, are translated into that is, with the particle “would” in Russian.

Conjunctions in conditional sentences

In this type of syntactic constructions, the subordinate part is most often attached to the main part using the conjunctions if (if) and when (when), but other conjunctions are also often used, these can be: unless (if ... not), provided that, providing that, on condition that (provided that...)

The conjunction unless is usually used in colloquial speech.

You'll be off work on Sunday unless Rick gets ill. - You have Monday off unless Rick gets sick.

I’ll have to call the police unless you go away from here. - I'll have to call the police if you don't leave here.

The constructions provided that, providing that, on condition that are used in official written and clerical speech. In communication and simple everyday speech, the word that is often skipped.

We can send you the letter on Monday provided (that) we get your request within the next three months. - We can send you a letter on Monday, provided that we receive your request within the next three months.

Conditional sentences with modal verbs

In conditional sentences with different degrees of possibility, constructions with modal verbs are often used, and not only to express the result and, but also to express the main condition. Let's consider options for using constructions with this type of verbs.

If they can aid, they do. (= They aid).

If she has to write, she does. (= She writes).

Conditions that are real:

If they could aid they would. (= They would aid).

If he had to visit, he would. (= He would visit).

Meaning of sentences with modal verbs

Subtleties of using obligatory verbs:

The construction ‘if I may (might)’ has a meaning similar to the statement ‘if you allow me to’ (“if you allow me”). ‘If I might’ is softer in meaning and more formal than ‘if I may’, but both constructions are respectful forms. When 'should' is used with a condition, it means that its fulfillment is unlikely or unrealistic, but still possible. ‘If you should need any aid...’ - “if you need some support” (but it’s unlikely to be needed).

When the verbs 'will' or 'would' are used with a condition, they express will or intention. ‘If you will aid her, Sara will thank you.’ - “If you want to help him, he will thank you.” In conditional sentences indicated in the present or future tense, 'could' in some situations means permission, in others - possibility, and in others - both permission and ability. ‘If Oleg could call you, he would.’ - “If Oleg could call, then he would call.” In unreal conditional sentences in the past tense, ‘could have’ can mean ability.

Conditional sentences in English in the table

Let us consider schematically the types of conditional sentences and their formula for the formation of each type. Conditional sentences in English are presented in the table below.

Conditional type	Education
The zero type of conditional sentence describes the actual state of affairs.	If + Present Indefinite
The first type of conditional sentences in English describes events that can happen in the present or future.	If + Present Indefinite
The second type of conditional sentence describes conditions in the present or future that are unreal.	If + Past Indefinite	would + verb without to
The third type of conditional sentences is unreal events in the past.	If + Past Perfect	would have + past participle

Conditional sentences of type 1 in English, unlike others, show the real possibility of a situation arising. They have the present simple tense in their formula. Conditional sentences of type 3 in English, on the contrary, express an unreal past that cannot be changed.

Pin a topic

So, what are conditional sentences in English? Exercises will help reinforce the topic.

Write the verbs in brackets in the correct form:

if you... (have) more money, you... (visit) Indonesia last year. - If you had more money, you would have visited Indonesia last year.

If you (love) me, you never (leave) me before our wedding. - If you loved me, you would not have left me before the wedding.

if she (attend) the classes, she (get) more positive marks three days ago. If she had attended classes, she would have gotten better grades three days ago.

if our driver... (not take) the wrong turn, you... (not come) late yesterday. - If our driver had not made the wrong turn, you would not have arrived late yesterday.

If your mother... (not quarrel) with you a week ago, you... (go) to the theater. - If your mother had not quarreled with you a week ago, you would have gone to the theater.

If I (be) more smart ten years ago, I never (get) along with you. - If I had been smarter 10 years ago, I would not have made peace with you.

If we (buy) a car five weeks ago, we really (save) $2000. - If we had bought the car five weeks ago, we would have saved $2,000.

Our life depends on a huge number of conditions, and this is reflected in our speech. In English and Russian, sentences that begin with the word “if” are very popular. After all, we say every day that we will do something if something happens, that is, we set a condition.

• I will come, If I'll finish early.
• I'll buy you a radio-controlled helicopter, If you will behave well.

How conditional sentences are constructed in English

A conditional sentence consists of two parts: a condition and a result. The condition is easy to recognize, it always begins with the word if(If). The result usually tells us what will happen if the condition is met. There are 4 main types of conditionals in English: zero (Zero Conditional), first ( First Conditional), second ( Second Conditional) and third ( Third Conditional). All types use different tenses.

Remember the famous saying: “If only mushrooms grew in your mouth, then there would be not a mouth, but a whole garden.” This is a typical example of a conditional sentence. Mushrooms do not grow in the mouth, that is, the condition is not met, which means, as a result, the mouth cannot be a garden.

The condition can be either at the beginning or in the middle of a sentence. In Russian, we always separate the condition from the result with a comma. In English, we only use a comma when the condition comes at the beginning.

I'll come if I finish early. – I will come if I finish my work early.

If I finish early, I'll come. – If I finish my work early , I will come.

• There are several more types of mixed conditionals, you can read about them in the article “”.

Zero Conditional - conditional sentences of zero type

This type shows a condition that will always be true: scientific facts, laws of nature, generally accepted or obvious statements. Usually offers with Zero Conditional translated in the present tense because they are always true. Zero Conditional is formed according to the following scheme:

If you cut your finger with a knife, it hurts. – If you cut finger with a knife, he hurts.

Snow melts if the temperature rises above zero. - Snow melts if temperature rises above zero.

Zero Conditional also used to give directions or instructions. In this case, the result will be used rather than Present Simple.

If you don't want to be late, hurry up. – If you do not want be late hurry up.

Take a nap if you feel tired. – Take a nap if You tired.

Watch an interesting video about type zero conditionals:

First Conditional - conditional sentences of the first type

A conditional sentence of the first type is also called a “real” conditional, because it shows an action that is likely to happen if the condition is met. Such sentences describe a situation that will happen in the future tense.

When constructing similar sentences in Russian, we use the future tense in the condition and as a result, but in English only the result will be the future tense, and in the condition – the present.

You will find a good job if you study well. - You you'll find Good work, if you will Fine study.

If the weather is good, we' ll walk our dogs in the park. – If weather will good, we let's go for a walk dogs in the park.

Also First Conditional often used when we want to warn or warn against something.

You will get into trouble if you continue to hang out with her. - You you'll get there in trouble, if you continue communicate with her.

If you drink much coffee, you won't sleep at night. – If You will you drink a lot of coffee then you won't sleep at night.

In order to better understand conditional sentences of the first type, we recommend watching this video:

Second Conditional - conditional sentences of the second type

This type of conditional is called "unreal present". It shows an unlikely or imaginary situation that refers to the present or future tense. This situation usually does not correspond to the facts in the present. That is, the chance that this action will occur is small, but not completely excluded.

If I were a billionaire, I would buy an island. – If I was billionaire, I I would buy island.

If I lived in the countryside, I would walk in the forest every day. – If I lived out of town, I I'd like to go for a walk in the forest every day.

This is the responsibility Second Conditional don't end. We also use this type of sentence to give advice.

I would never do this if I were you. - I would never this didn't, if there was you.

If I were in a tricky situation, I would take this opportunity. – If I hit in a difficult situation, I I would use it this opportunity.

Notice one thing about the verb to be. Conditional sentences use one form were for singular and plural. Was- This is a colloquial option, it is often found in everyday speech.

If I were in your shoes, I would make up with her and start speaking again. = If I was in your shoes, I would make up with her and start speaking again. – If I was you, I I would make peace with her and began talk again.

Here is another interesting video that will tell you about the second type of conditional sentences:

Third Conditional - conditional sentences of the third type

The third type is called the “unreal past.” Its whole essence can be expressed in one phrase: regret about the past. Sometime in the past something happened, we regret it, but we can no longer change the event (unless, of course, they invent a time machine). This is the only type of conditional sentence that refers to the past tense.

If I hadn't missed the bus, I wouldn't have been late for work. – If I I'm not late on the bus, I I wouldn't be late to work.

If he had been more diligent, he would have been promoted long time ago. – If He was more responsible, him would for a long time promoted.

Also Third Conditional used when we criticize some actions that happened in the past and which we cannot change.

If you had listened carefully, you wouldn't have made so many mistakes. – If are you paying attention listened, You I wouldn't allow it so many mistakes.

If you didn't left your car opened, it wouldn't have been stolen. – If You didn't leave the car is open, it wouldn't have been stolen.

Third Conditional shows not only the negative past. We also use it when we want to report good events that happened in the past and have positively impacted our present.

He wouldn't have made this discovery if he hadn't done precise calculations. - He wouldn't commit this is a discovery if I hadn't very accurate calculations.

If I hadn't been taken the wrong way, I wouldn't have met you. – If I did not go on the wrong road, I I wouldn't have met you you.

This video will help you understand the third type of conditional sentences:

Please note that there are a couple of typos in the video: the condition in the past didn't happen d And insted instead of instead.

A few facts about conditional sentences in English

1. The basic formula by which conditional sentences are constructed is the tenses of the group Simple+ modal verbs will/would. But she is far from the only one. Band times Continuous and modal verbs can/could, may/might, must, should also found in conditional sentences.

If you are riding a horse backwards, you can fall off and break a leg. - If you are you're going on a horse backwards, you can fall and break your leg.

If you hadn't understood the First Conditional, you should have looked at the example. – If you don’t understand the first conditional, you should have look at the example.

2. Verbs would And had have one abbreviated form - 'd. Always look carefully at what verb is in front of you.

If I 'd known, I 'd have come. = If I had known, I would have come. - If I had known, I would have come.

3. And for dessert, we'll add one more interesting fact about conditional sentences. Inversion is possible in all types. You can read about it in the article "".

We also suggest taking a look at the table with all types of conditional sentences in the English language discussed in this article. You can also download this table:

Conditional type	How is it formed		Example
	Condition	Result
0 Conditional Real always	If + Present Simple,	Present Simple	If a cat sees a dog, it runs away. If a cat sees a dog, he runs away.
1 st Conditional Real present or future	If + Present Simple,	Future Simple	I will have a cup of coffee if I have a break. I'll have a cup of coffee if I have a break.
2nd Conditional Unlikely present or future	If + Past Simple,	would+ verb without to	If I had vacation in summer, I would spend it in Athens. If I had a summer vacation, I would spend it in Athens.
3rd Conditional Unreal past	If + Past Perfect,	would have + past participle	If we had taken a taxi, we wouldn't have missed the plane. If we had taken a taxi, we would not have missed the plane.

(*pdf, 186 Kb)

Now we invite you to take our test to consolidate your knowledge about 4 types of conditional sentences.

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Test

Conditional sentences in English

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Topic 2. The third type of conditional sentence

The third type of conditional sentence is formed as follows: the predicate of the conditional part has the form Past Perfect; the predicate of the main part is formed according to the following formula - Would/Should + perfect infinitive: have + III form of the verb / ending –ed for regular verbs.

Let's compare two sentences in Russian:

I would enter a flight school if my health allowed me (allowed it).

I would have entered flight school last year, right after school, if my health had allowed it.

The action in the first conditional is unlikely, but still real. This sentence is translated into Russian as a conditional sentence of the second type.

In the second sentence there is the same “would”, but the condition of the action, according to the context, refers to the past and, therefore, this action is unreal and will never be performed.

The third type of conditional sentence is formed as follows: the predicate of the conditional part has the form Past Perfect; the predicate of the main part is formed according to the following formula - Would/Should + have(perfect infinitive) + III verb form.

This type of conditional sentence uses the same conjunctions as the previous type + such conjunctional constructions as providing (that)/provided (that) - provided that, supposing (that) - suppose that.

Note

As in other conditional sentences, the conditional clause can come before the main clause and vice versa.

If they had finished work on time they would have already gone for a walk.
If they had finished work on time, they would have already gone for a walk.

In the main part you can use past forms of verbs can And may - could And might- could.

Verb form from the main part of the conditional sentence ( might have, could have, should have). Please note that would is not used here, but should is used, which has the semantic meaning of must and is translated with it.

You might have paid in the restaurant. - You could pay at the restaurant.

We should have done it long ago. - We should have done this a long time ago.

The conditional part of a sentence may contain inversion to express emotion.

Had I known about it beforehand I wouldn't have made such a terrible mistake!
If I had known about this in advance, I would not have made such a terrible mistake!

General and special questions are formed analytically, that is, by rearranging the members of the sentence.

Exercises for the third type of conditional sentences - Third conditional– are a continuation of the series of exercises on the topic CONDITIONALS. Previously, I have already posted exercises on, as well as exercises with answers on the topic.

Third conditional exercises with answers.

Exercise 1. Put the verbs in brackets into the correct form ( Conditional 3).

1. If the government ____________ (give) more money to the factory it _____________ (not close).
2. If the government ___________ (build) flood barriers, we __________ (not have) the floods last year.
3. If Dan ___________ (know) how to swim, he ____________ (not drown).
4. If Molly __________ (listen) to the weather- forecast, she ______________ (know) it was going to rain.
5. If Greg _____________ (tell) me he was ill, I ____________ (be) more sympathetic. .
6. If she __________ (prepare) for the exam, she __________ (pass) it.
7. If Bill _________ (see) the house, he ________ (not buy) it.
8. These words ___________ (roughly express) Bob’s feelings, if he __________ (be) capable of reasoning.
9. But what ___________ (you do), if you ________ (see) what I saw
10. It ___________ (be) all done though, if Jill __________ (help) at the right time.

Exercise 2. Do you ever think about what would or wouldn’t have happened if ...? Make a chain story, using the following.

If I _____________ (not use) so much gas, I _____________ (not have) such a big gas bill.

If I _____________ (must not) pay my gas bill, I _____________ (not go) out in the rain.

If I___________ (not go) out in the rain, I _____________ (not catch) a cold.

If I _____________ (not catch) a cold, I _____________ (not carry) a handkerchief.

If I_____________ (not carry) a handkerchief, I_____________ (not drop) it.

If I _____________ (not drop) my handkerchief, Juan _____________ (not pick) it up.

If Juan___________ (not pick) up my handkerchief, we_____________ (never meet).

Moral: Paying bills can be a good thing.

Exercise 3. Correct the third Conditional sentences if you see any mistakes. Some of the sentences are correct.

1. Molly might have thought that Paul was enjoying the weather, if there had been any to enjoy.
2. If Krassotkin had known what an effect his words might have on the child, nothing would have had induced him to play this trick on him.
3. Even if Jack had died, he wouldn’t just the same has escaped from his horrible position.
4. It can all have gone off more harmoniously if Peter had taken the trouble to embellish his story.
5. I wonder what might have happened if a Gatling (rapid fire weapon) had been used.
6. But if Molly had stayed in her home, she wouldn’t have any home left to stay in.
7. Bill dreamed of it at the age when everyone would laugh to his face if they could have guessed what was in his head.
8. If the robber had been someone like Molly Smith, she"d simply have put the chain straight in her pocket and get away as fast as she could.
9. If Greg could have moved, Greg would have leapt upon me.
10. If Sally had been with us, the sense of complicity would be cloying.

Exercise 4. Rewrite the letter, using if-clauses (Third conditional).

I’m writing to you feeling completely frustrated. As you know, I have to give a reception every year to entertain my husband’s business associates, so I have to go to a lot of trouble. Well, disaster struck again! In my attempt to appear an original hostess, I ordered some Chinese and Thai food to be served with chopsticks. Needless to say, my guests are disapproved. I also booked a Latin band to come and play live, but our middle-aged guests found it hard to dance so energetically. My husband has no sympathy for me and is mad at my choice of entertainment. I must confess I want to get out of organizing such social gatherings. It’s a pity you weren’t here; you missed out on a unique opportunity to see my husband dancing.

Exercise 5. Translation. Translate the sentences using the third conditional.

1. Peter wouldn't have been able to get there if he hadn't met the boys.
2. However, if the ghost were just an illusion, it should have completely disappeared, but it did not disappear.
3. The man would probably have shot his wife if the policeman had not pushed his hand away.
4. If Jack was caught, he might have been taken prisoner.
5. The old man became so irritable that if Katya had told him that she was not going to visit him, he would certainly have been offended.
6. If Porfiry had good cards, he would have shown them.
7. Molly would never have put herself in this position if she didn't trust Sally completely.

Third Conditional exercises. Answers

1 had given / wouldn't have closed, 2 had built / wouldn't have had, 3 had known / wouldn't have drowned, 4 had listened / would have known 5 had told / would have been, 6 had prepared / would have passed, 7 had seen / wouldn't have bought, 8 would roughly have expressed / had been, 9 would you have done / had seen, 10 would have been / had helped.

Hadn’t used / wouldn’t have had;

Hadn’t had to pay / wouldn’t have gone;

Hadn’t gone / wouldn’t have caught;

Hadn’t caught / wouldn’t have been carrying;

Hadn’t been carrying / wouldn’t have dropped;

Hadn't dropped / wouldn't have picked;

Hadn't picked / would have never met.

1. correct;
2. would have had induced -> would have induced;
3. has escaped -> have escaped;
4. can -> could ;
5. correct;
6. wouldn't have -> wouldn't have had;
7. would laugh -> would have laughed;
8. get -> would have got / got;
9. correct;
10. would be -> would have been

Exercise 4. Different options are possible.

1. Peter could never have got there if he hadn`t met the boys.
2. But if the ghost had been just an illusion, it should have faded away entirely, but it didn’t
3. The man would certainly have shot his wife if the police officer had not push aside his hand.
4. If Jack had been caught, they might have taken him prisoner.
5. The old man had become so irritable that if Kate had told him that she wasn't going to visit him, he would certainly have been offended.
6. If Porfiry had really had good cards, he would have shown them.
7. Molly would have never placed herself in that position if she hadn't completely trusted Sally.

Do you ever find yourself regretting events that have already happened? Or, on the contrary, are you glad that everything turned out exactly this way and not otherwise?

In Russian, when we talk about this, we use the word “if”:

“If he had woken up on time, he would not have missed the plane. She wouldn’t have come with us if she hadn’t finished all the work yesterday.”

In English, when we talk about past events that could have happened under certain conditions, we use type 3 conditionals.

It is not difficult to understand and learn to construct such sentences. In this article I will teach you this.

From the article you will learn:

• When we use conditional sentences of the third type
• Rules and schemes for the formation of affirmative sentences

When are type 3 conditionals used in English?

If you don’t know how conditional sentences of types 1 and 2 are formed, then be sure to look at these articles first:

Conditional sentences of the third type (Third Conditionals) - express unreal situations that might or might not have happened in the past under certain conditions.

Most often, such sentences are used when we:

• We regret something and would like to change our actions in the past (but since the events have already happened, we cannot do this)

• We talk about past actions, imagine alternative options (such sentences may not express regret, but, on the contrary, joy that everything happened this way)
• We criticize someone's actions in the past

Let's look at examples:

If he had taken classes, he would not have been expelled from the university (but he did not do this, so he was expelled).

They wouldn't have met if she hadn't gone to that party (but she went, so they know each other now).

She would have gotten that job if she knew English (but she didn't, so she didn't get it).

As you can see, all these actions are unreal because they have already happened in the past.

At the moment, we can only think about how events would have unfolded if the person had acted differently.

Attention: Confused about English rules? Find out in Moscow how easy it is to understand English grammar.

How do conditional sentences of type 3 differ from conditional sentences of type 2?

Very often these sentences are confused, since in both cases we are talking about unreal events. In addition, they are very similar or identically translated into Russian.

Let's see how to distinguish them.

Conditional sentences of the second type

Using them we are talking about imaginary situations present or future . That is, the events we are talking about are unlikely or unrealistic.

For example:

If he won the lottery, he would buy a car.

(We are talking about the future, he now has a ticket, and he dreams of winning. But the fact that he will win it is unlikely, almost unreal).

Conditional sentences of the third type

Using them we say about situations in past . The events we are talking about are completely unreal, because we cannot change the past.

For example:

If he had won the lottery, he would have bought a car.
If he won the lottery, he would buy a car.

(He bought a ticket in the past, but didn't win anything. There's no way to change that.)

Now let's see how to construct such sentences in English.

Rules for the formation of conditional sentences of the 3rd type in English

Conditional sentences consist of 2 parts:

1. The main part is an action that could have happened in the past.

2. Condition - events in the past under which the action in the main part would have been possible.

Conditional sentences can begin with either a main clause or a condition.

Let's look at how each of these parts is formed.

Main part of the sentence

The main part contains an unreal action that could have happened in the past, but did not happen.

This part is formed using:

• would (also could, should, might)

That is, the diagram of this part will be as follows:

Actor + would + have + action in 3rd form

For example:

She would have won this competition….
She would have won these competitions...

I could have passed the exam….
I could pass this exam...

Conditional part of a sentence

This part contains a condition, upon the occurrence of which the events in the main part would occur.

In this part we use the Past Perfect tense, which is formed using:

• auxiliary verb had
• 3rd form of irregular verb or regular verb ending -ed

The conditional part always begins with the word if - “if”.

Let's look at the diagram of this part:

For example:

If she had worked hard...
If only she worked hard...

If they had bought the flat….
If they bought this apartment...

What do type 3 conditional sentences look like?

Now let's connect the two parts. We will get the following diagram:

Actor + would + have + action in 3rd form + if + actor + had + action in 3rd form

For example:

She would have succeeded if she had heard his advice.
She would have succeeded if she had listened to his advice.

I would have forgiven him if he had told me the truth.
I would forgive him if he told the truth.

We can swap the two parts, putting the condition first. Education rules will remain the same. Only a comma will be added to separate the two parts of the sentence.

The outline of such a proposal:

If + actor + had + action in 3rd form , actor + would + have + action in 3rd form

If you had asked me, I would have helped you.
If you asked me, I would help you.

If he had known her phone number, he would have called her.
If he knew her phone number, he would call her.

Negation in conditional sentences of the third type in English

In such sentences we can use negation:

• In the main part
• In the conditional part
• In both parts

Let's look at these cases separately.

Negation in the main part

In this case, we say that an action in the past would not have happened if certain events had occurred.

To make a negation in the main clause, we put not after would.

We can shorten: would + not = wouldn’t

The outline of such a proposal:

Actor + wouldn’t + have + action in 3rd form + if + actor + had + action in 3rd form

They wouldn't have been late if they had taken a taxi.
They wouldn't be late if they took a taxi.

She wouldn't have worked in the café if she had graduated from the university.
She wouldn't have worked in this cafe if she had graduated from university.

Negation in the conditional part

In this case, we say that an action in the past would have happened if certain events had not occurred.

To make the conditional part negative, we put not after had.

Abbreviation: had + not = hadn't

The outline of such a proposal:

If + actor + hadn’t + action in 3rd form, actor + would + have + action in 3rd form

If she hadn't made a mistake, we would have won.
If she hadn't made a mistake, we would have won.

If they hadn't helped us, we would have failed our exams.
If they had not helped us, we would have failed our exams.

Negation in both parts

In this case, we say that an action in the past would not have happened if certain events had not occurred.

The outline of such a proposal:

Actor + wouldn’t + have + action in 3rd form + if + actor + hadn’t + action in 3rd form

She wouldn't have been late if she hadn't missed a bus.
She wouldn't have been late if she hadn't missed the bus.

We wouldn't have met each other if we hadn't gone to that party.
We wouldn't have met each other if we hadn't gone to that party.

Question with conditional sentence type 3 in English

We can ask a question and find out whether something would happen if certain conditions were or were not met.

It should be remembered that in such sentences the question is asked only to the main part. To do this, you need to put would first in the sentence.

The outline of such a proposal:

Would + actor + have + action in 3rd form + if + actor + had + action in 3rd form?

Would she have got this job if she had known English?
Would she have gotten this position if she knew English?

Would they have helped if they had been with us?
Would they help if they were with us?

So, we've sorted out the theory. Now practice making such sentences yourself.

Reinforcement task

Translate the following sentences into English. Leave your answers in the comments below the article.

1. He would not have made this mistake if he had more time.
2. She would have come if she hadn’t missed the train.
3. If he had told me about the meeting, I would have come.
4. Would she move if they got married?
5. If we had listened to you, we would have been home.

If ... Past Perfect ..., ... would have + past participle...
or
… would have + past participle... if ... Past Perfect ...

Use

Conditional sentences of the third type in English describe events in the past that could have happened, but did not happen. Please note that these sentences are translated into Russian in the subjunctive mood, with the particle “would”.

For example:
If you had invited them, they would have come.
If You invited them, they would come. (But you didn't invite them, and that's why they didn't come.)

If you had worked harder, you would have passed the exam.
If you more was studying, You I would have passed exam. ( But you didn't study, and therefore didn't pass the exam.)

If I had won that award, my life would have changed.
If I won this award, my life would change.

If she had studied science, she would have found a better job.
If she studied science, she I would have found it better job.

Other forms of conditional sentences of the third type

Using modal verbs in a result clause

Instead of would have verbs can be used could have, might have, should have, and etc.

For example:
If he had known,he could have helped you.
If He knew, He I could you help.

You might have finished the assignment on time, if you had planned more carefully.
You, Maybe, would do task on time, if You planned more and more carefully.

If you hadn't been prepared, you should have told the professor
If You not prepared, then you should have said about this to the professor.

Using but for

Instead of if not expression can be used but for followed by a noun. This expression is usually used in formal speech.

For example:
But for our savings, we wouldn't have been able to make the payments.
If not our savings, we would not be able to make payments.