6.1.3: Past Unreal (Third) Conditional
- Page ID
- 274394
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| FORM: HAD + PAST PARTICIPLE |
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In a past unreal conditional structure, the verb in the condition statement, the if, clause takes the form of a past perfect verb. |
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If Jack had seen the iceberg, |
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If Rose had known it, |
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If Molly had talked any longer, |
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If Cal had been a better man, |
| MODAL + HAVE + PARTICIPLE |
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The verb in the result-clause, also known as the main clause, takes the form of would have, could have, or might have + past participle. |
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he would have told the captain. |
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she could have left him earlier. |
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she would have put everyone to sleep. |
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he might have acted in a kinder manner. |
Past Unreal (Third) Conditional (hypothetical)
Punctuation
| INITIAL CLAUSE POSITION |
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If we had known the movie was long, we would have gotten some popcorn. |
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If we had gotten here earlier, we could have found better seats. |
A comma separates the condition, a dependent clause headed by if, from the main clause when it is placed before the main clause.| FINAL CLAUSE POSITION |
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We would have gotten some popcorn if we had known the movie was long. |
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We could have found better seats if we had gotten here earlier. |
No comma is used when the "if clause" is placed after the main clause.| MEANING: PAST UNREAL – CONDITIONALS |
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In a past unreal (remote) conditional structure, modal would have expresses an alternate, perhaps ideal world. This "remote" wording is used to soften an unpleasant response, apologize for failure or consider an alternate option. See Past Hypotheticals for examples. |
| PAST | RELATED ACTIVITY OR SITUATION |
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If he had had time, |
Ted would have mowed the grass. |
| REMOTE THINKING | |
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"This past action or situation, in another world. |
caused this related activity to occur. |
| ACTUAL SITUATION | |
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This situation did not occur |
so this related activity did not happen. |