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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.
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.
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