Third Conditional Sentences with Examples

In this blog post, you’ll learn about third conditional sentences, which are used to describe hypothetical or unreal situations in the past and their impossible outcomes. These sentences express events that did not happen but could have had different results if circumstances were different. Understanding the third conditional will help you discuss “what if” situations about the past.

What is the Third Conditional?

The Third Conditional is used to talk about imaginary situations in the past. It shows something that did not happen, but we imagine what the result would have been.

Structure:
If + Past Perfect, would have + Past Participle

Examples:

• If I had studied harder, I would have passed the exam.
• If she had known about the party, she would have come.
• If we had left earlier, we would have arrived on time.

Usage of Third Conditional Sentences

Third conditional sentences are used to talk about what could have happened in the past but didn’t. These sentences help us express regret or imagine different outcomes of past events. They are useful for discussing missed chances, mistakes, or unreal past situations.

Examples of Usage:

Regret:

• If I had studied more, I would have gotten better grades.

Missed Opportunities:

• If we had taken that flight, we would have seen the concert.

Blame:

• If he had listened to me, we wouldn’t have had this problem.

Wishes:

• If she had been here, she would have helped us.

Example Sentences of Third Conditional

• If I had known, I would have done something about it.
• If you had asked, I would have told you the answer.
• If she had called, I would have answered immediately.
• If we had gone to the party, we would have met new friends.
• If he had studied, he would have passed the test.
• If they had arrived earlier, they would have seen the movie.
• If I had saved more money, I would have bought a new phone.
• If she had remembered, she would have brought the book.
• If we had known about the traffic, we would have left earlier.
• If they had booked the tickets, they would have gone on vacation.
• If I had gone to the gym, I would have felt better.
• If he hadn’t fallen, he would have won the race.
• If we had planned ahead, we would have avoided the problem.
• If she had tried harder, she would have succeeded.
• If I had seen the message, I would have replied.
• If they hadn’t been late, they would have caught the bus.
• If he had worked faster, he would have finished on time.
• If I had brought an umbrella, I wouldn’t have gotten wet.
• If they had told me the truth, I would have helped them.
• If we had followed the directions, we wouldn’t have gotten lost.
• If he had apologized, they would have forgiven him.
• If I hadn’t eaten so much, I would have felt better.
• If she hadn’t forgotten, she would have brought the keys.
• If they had paid attention, they would have learned the lesson.
• If I had studied chemistry, I would have become a scientist.
• If he had worn a jacket, he wouldn’t have been cold.
• If we hadn’t canceled the trip, we would have gone hiking.
• If they had known about the sale, they would have bought more.
• If I hadn’t lost my phone, I would have called you.
• If we hadn’t argued, we would have enjoyed the evening.

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FAQs about Third Conditional Sentences

What is the third conditional in English grammar?
The third conditional is a structure used to imagine different past results that did not really happen.

What is the structure of the third conditional?
The structure is If + Past Perfect, would have + Past Participle, e.g., If I had studied, I would have passed.

What is the difference between second and third conditional?
The second conditional talks about unreal situations in the present or future, while the third conditional talks about unreal situations in the past.

Can we use “could have” or “might have” in the third conditional?
Yes. We can use could have or might have instead of would have to show possibility, e.g., If I had left earlier, I might have met him.

Why do we use the third conditional?
We use it to express regrets, missed chances, or to imagine how the past could have been different.

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Read More

• Zero Conditional in English
• First Conditional in English
• Second Conditional in English