The third conditional

The third conditional

1. The main use of the third conditional is to talk about imaginary situations in the past

   • For example:
     • If I had known the trains were cancelled, I would have taken a bus

2. The third conditional is strange, because the past can't change

3. Structure

   • If + subject + past perfect..., subject + would have + past participle
     • For example:
       • If I'd known you were coming, I'd have baked a cake

4. Negative forms

   • Use hadn't and wouldn't

5. Pronunciation

   • I had
     • I'd
   • I would have
     • I'd've