Type 3 Third Conditional If Clause Sentence Examples

In this session, we would be learning about the third conditional along with its definition and other useful rules. You would get to observe the conditional sentences with its structural formation, usage, and example sentences.

3rd Conditional If Clause Sentence Structure Rules

Just like other conditional sentences, the type third conditional sentence also consists of two different clauses – ‘If’ clause and the ‘main clause. In this case, we use different verb forms in different parts of the sentence. 

Following is the format we use for Type 3 If conditional sentences.

‘If’ Clause + Past Perfect (Subject) + Would/Could/Might + Have + Past Participle

Lets explore the example sentences to understand it better.

• If I had got a gold medal in mathematics, I would have been really happy.
• If I had met Sumona last Saturday, I would have given her the present.
• If the weather had been hot, I would have gone swimming. 

In the third conditional sentences, the ‘if’ clause comes first. You would also notice that a comma is usually used. In case the ‘if’ clause is placed after the main clause then there is no need for a comma. 

For instance, you can check the examples given below. 

• We could have gone for water-skiing if the weather had been good. 

Type 3 If Clauses to Express Criticism or Regret.

In the third conditional sentences, we specifically talk about the things which happen in the past. In this form, you can frame sentences that are used to express criticism or regret. 

For instance, you can look up these examples which are very useful in understanding various concepts.

• If Maya had come on time, Rushabh would have met them before leaving. 

(This sentence shows regret)

• If Charu had not been so careless, she would have lost all the money in gambling. 

(In this sentence you can see criticism)

• If Kritika had not lied to Mahesh, she would not have landed up in the prison. 

(Again this sentence shows criticism)

• If you had asked her for help, she would have easily helped you in your work.

(Deep regret is portrayed in the image)

Let’s explore some more examples: 

• Meghna would have gone if you had told her the venue of the exhibition. 
• If Sheeja had more time, she would have finished her work before her submission.
• Maya would have been really angry if John would have passed such comments to her. 

Note: Here in the content we have used ‘I had’ and not ‘I had had’. This makes the sentence to get shortened to the simple past.

Examples of Third Conditional Sentences

Following are some easy to understand examples of type 3 conditional sentences.

• If I had known that you had been enrolled for a course, I would have brought some books for you. 
• If they had not come to the exhibition, I would have been disappointed.
• Lara would have regretted it if she would not have visited the shop.

• If he had studied, he would have passed the exam. 
• If I hadn’t spent so much money in my 20’s, I wouldn’t have been poor in my 30’s.
• If we had taken the subway, we wouldn’t have missed the plane.
• I wouldn’t have been tired if I had gone to bed earlier. 
• I would have become a lawyer if I had followed my parents’ wishes.
• He would not have felt sick if he had not eaten questionable street food. 
• I could have been the best swimmer if I had practiced more before the competition. 
• If my parents allowed me to have money, I could have taken you to a good restaurant.
• If you had told me about the broken TV, I could have fixed it for you. 
• If I had known about your plans, I might have been the part of it.
• If they finished the work on time, they could have attended the party. 

We hope that this guide has helped in understanding how third conditional sentences are formed and used. Stay tuned to EnglishBix for more English learning resources.