Third Conditional with Learn English in Dublin

In English, we can use the Third Conditional to talk about ‘impossible’ conditions, impossible because they are in the past and we cannot change what has happened.

• If I had worked harder at school, I would have got better grades.
• If I had had time, I would have gone to Dublin to see him. But I didn’t have time.
• If we had bought that flat, we would have had to rebuild the bathroom.
• If we had caught the earlier bus, we would have got there on time but we were late.

Notice that the main clause can contain ‘would’ ‘could’ or ‘might.

• If I had seen her at the meeting, I would have asked her. (But she wasn’t there so I didn’t.)
• If I had seen her at the meeting, I could have asked her. ( But she wasn’t there so it wasn’t possible.)
• If I had seen her at the meeting, I might have asked her. (But I’m not sure. Perhaps if the opportunity had arisen.)
• If I had paid more attention in class, I would have understood the English lesson.

Also notice that sometimes the ‘if clause’ is implied rather than spoken.

• I’d have done it. (“if you had asked me but you didn’t.”)
• I wouldn’t have said that. (“if I’d been there.”)
• He wouldn’t have let him get away with that. (“if he had tried that with me.”)