CONDITIONAL SENTENCE TYPE -

(third conditional)
The structure and use of a third conditional sentence

Third conditionals, or Type 3 conditional sentences, refer to an impossible condition.

These situations are impossible because they have already occurred and can’t be
changed.

Example Explanation
If Bonnie had studied, she would have passed He didn’t study so he didn’t pass
the test. the test
If she had arrived five minutes earlier, she She didn’t arrive on time so she
would have seen the whole show. didn’t see the whole show

If the waitress had been careful, she wouldn’t

but the waitress wasn’t careful
have broken many plates.
The structure and use of a third conditional sentence

if clause if + Past perfect

main clause Past future perfect

PATTERN
Verbal active : Nominal :
Past Perfect S + had + V3 S + had + been + noun/adjective
S + had + NOT + V3

Verbal active : Nominal :

Past Future Perfect S + would + have + V3 S + would + have + been + noun/adjective
S + wouldn’t + have + V3
 Test Examples
Fill the blanks with the correct form of the verb in the
bracket. Use third conditional

He …. (call) if his phone hadn’t died.

If the bar … (close) at 12, we wouldn’t have stayed out
all night
I … (buy) the dress if it hadn’t been so expensive.
We ______(not/be) late if James …
(remember) the tickets.
if ______(know) about all the
problems I …. (not/ offer) the
asking price