3. The Third Conditional

The past perfect tense is used in the if clause, and the tense in the main clause is the prefect conditional. EXAMPLE: If you had planned what to do, you would have done it successfully. 'If' Clause Main Clause If + past perfect tense would/could/might + perfect infinitive (to have) If you had planned what to do you would have done it successfully. The main clause can come before the if-clause, as follow: Would + perfect infinitive (to have) if + past perfect tense You would have done it successfully if you had planned what to do Would expresses a desired or predictable result. could expresses a possible option. We use Type 3 conditionals to: express disappointment or regret about things that not possible to happen now. EXAMPLE: If I had married her, I could have been a happier person. EXAMPLE: If you had taken up teaching, you would have been better off. talk about things that should have happened in the past, but didn't. EXAMPLE: If you had requested information, the company would have provided it. EXAMPLE: If I had completed my education, I would have been somebody else today. imagine unrealistic situations EXAMPLE: If I had worked harder, I would have become a professor. EXAMPLE: If I had set up a business, I would have become very rich. express criticism. EXAMPLE: If he had got up earlier, he wouldn't have missed the bus. EXAMPLE: If she had been patient, she would have got what she wanted.