Imagining a different past
The third conditional talks about something that did not happen in the past and imagines a different result. You cannot change it now, so it often expresses regret, criticism or relief.
Rule
If + past perfect, would have + past participle
- If I had studied, I would have passed. (I didn’t study, so I didn’t pass.)
- Might / could in the result: If she had asked, he might have helped.
- Question: What would you have done if you had missed the flight?
- Short forms: I’d have passed. Careful: ’d = had in the if-clause, would in the result.
If-clause
If I had left earlier
Result
I would have caught the train.
Wish and if only
| You mean… | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Present regret (I want it to be different now) | wish + past simple | I wish I had more time. / I wish I were taller. |
| Past regret | wish + past perfect | I wish I had studied harder. |
| Annoyance or wanting a change in future behaviour | wish + would | I wish you would stop shouting. |
Lots of examples
- If I had known about the party, I would have come.Third conditional.
- If he hadn’t missed the bus, he wouldn’t have been late.Negative both clauses.
- We would have won if we had played better.If-clause second.
- If you had told me, I could have helped.Could have.
- Had I known, I would have called. (formal)Inversion: Had I known = If I had known.
- I wish I had a bigger flat.Present regret.
- I wish I hadn’t eaten so much.Past regret.
- I wish it would stop raining.Wish + would.
- If only I had a car!If only.
- She wishes she were more confident.Were for all subjects.
- If I hadn’t taken that job, I wouldn’t have met my wife.Life choices.
- I wish you hadn’t said that.Criticism.
Don’t say / Say
Don’t sayIf I would have known, I would have come.
SayIf I had known, I would have come.Why: No would in the if-clause.
Don’t sayIf I had studied, I would passed.
SayIf I had studied, I would have passed.Why: Would have + participle.
Don’t sayI wish I have more money.
SayI wish I had more money.Why: Wish moves the verb one step back.
Don’t sayI wish I would be taller.
SayI wish I were taller.Why: Don’t use would for yourself with wish about a state.
Don’t sayIf he had went earlier…
SayIf he had gone earlier…Why: Use the past participle.