Form of the type 3 conditional sentence
In a Type 3 conditional sentence, the “if” clause uses the past perfect tense, and the main clause employs either the perfect conditional or the perfect continuous conditional tense.
| If clause (condition) | Main clause (result) |
|---|---|
| If + past perfect | perfect conditional or perfect continuous conditional |
| If this thing had happened | that thing would have happened. |
Just like in all conditional sentences, the arrangement of clauses isn’t set in stone. You might need to reorganize pronouns and punctuation when altering the clause order, but the meaning remains the same.
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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 of the type 3 conditional
The type 3 conditional deals with an unattainable condition in the past and its likely outcome in the past. These sentences are purely speculative and unreal because the condition or its result can no longer exist. There’s usually a sense of regret associated with type 3 conditional sentences, as they describe situations that contradict reality. In type 3 conditionals, the timeframe is in the past, and the scenario is 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 conditional sentences, you have the option to replace “would” in the main clause with modal verbs to convey the level of certainty, permission, or recommendation regarding the outcome.
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.
Contractions
Both would and had can be contracted to ‘d, which can be confusing if you are not confident with type 3 conditional sentences. Remember 2 rules:
1. would never appears in the if-clause so if ‘d appears in the if clause, it must be abbreviating had.
2. had never appears before have so if ‘d appears on a pronoun just before have, it must be abbreviating 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 have bought you a present if I’d known it was your birthday.
- I would have bought you 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.
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The perfect conditional tense
The perfect conditional of any verb is composed of three elements:
would + have + past participle
Have followed by the past participle is used in other constructions as well. it is called the “perfect infinitive”.
| Subject | + would | + have | + past participle |
|---|---|---|---|
| He | would | have | gone |
| They | would | have | stayed |
To Go: perfect conditional
| Affirmative | Negative | Interrogative | Interrogative negative |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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? |
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I am Nilay, an experienced English Language Assessment Director at the International English Test, where I have been working full-time since February 2020. I specialize in helping people worldwide validate their English proficiency through comprehensive assessments and certifications.
Before joining the International English Test, I worked as a self-employed English Language Assessment Consultant from January 2015 to December 2019. During this time, I assisted companies and individuals in improving their language skills, helping them achieve their academic and professional goals.
I hold a degree in Engineering and have also studied at Shafston International College in Australia. My educational background has equipped me with the tools to make a meaningful impact in the field of English language learning. Additionally, I enjoy sharing my expertise through articles that explore effective teaching methods and language assessment strategies, contributing to the International English Test and the broader assessment community.
