How do we create the third conditional?
To make a sentence in the third conditional, we use,
If + past perfect, would/wouldn’t have + past participle.
If you had told me about the meeting, I would have come.
If you had told me about the meeting, I wouldn’t have missed it.
As with all conditionals, you can also invert this structure:
Would have + past participle if + past perfect.
I’d have come to the meeting if you’d told me about it.
I wouldn’t have missed the meeting if you’d told me about it.
The word would is often contracted to ‘d by native speakers. It’s also acceptable to use this in informal writing. And in speech it’s common to contract have to ‘ve in the third conditional. For example,
I’d’ve come to the meeting if you’d told me.
However, we can’t write this, even in an informal context. It’s useful to be aware of it though, so you can identify it when native speakers say it.
As an alternative to would, we can complete the second part of a third conditional sentence with could. For example,
If I’d stayed at university, I could have got a masters degree.
Here are some other examples of the third conditional:
He’d have got the job if he hadn’t been so nervous in the interview.
What would you have done if you’d been me?
If it hadn’t been snowing heavily, we’d have carried on skiing.
The company would have survived if there hadn’t been a recession.
Task 2. Choose the correct forms of the second and third conditionals to complete the sentences.
1. If he jobs, he would be a lot happier.
a) changed
b) would change
c) would have changed
2. If I were you, I her that I love her.
a) told
b) had told
c) ‘d tell
3. Even if he them, they wouldn’t have agreed to come.
a) asked
b) would ask
c) had asked
4. If she hadn’t threatened him, he _ .
a) wouldn’t leave
b) wouldn’t have left
c) hadn’t left
5. I _______________ him if I were you.
a) wouldn't trust
b) hadn’t trusted
c) didn’t trust
6. He ______________ with her if he had known she would behave so irresponsibly.
a) wouldn't have gone
b) wouldn’t had gone
c) hadn’t gone
7. I wouldn’t have been able to do it unless she _______________ me.
a) hadn't helped
b) wouldn’t have helped
c) had helped
8. If he _____________________ earlier, he wouldn’t have been late for work.
a) got up
b) had got up
c) would have got up
9. If we _____________ to spend the day in London, we would have bought a day pass.
a) Had wanted
b) had been wanting
c) would have wanted
10. If you ___________ less on clothes, you would be able to save some money.
a) Don’t spend
b) would spend
c) spent
Task 3. Complete the second and third conditional sentences with the correct form of the verbs given.
1. If I **lived** in Brazil, I **would speak** fluent Portuguese. I've always thought about moving there.
2. If she **had gone** to the party, she **would have studied** for the test. Luckily, she passed the test with flying colors!
3. Mary **would have saved** a lot if she **hadn't spent** all her money on clothes. Now she has no money for emergencies.
4. If I **were** you, I **would look** for a new job. Your current job is awful.
5. Kelly **would buy** her dream car if she **had** more money. It’s not possible now.
6. Olivia **would have moved** to California last year if she **had found** an affordable house to buy in Los Angeles. She searched for 3 months but couldn’t find anything.
Task 1. Before reading the text answer the following questions with your own opinion.
1. Yes, I do shop online. It offers convenience, especially for items that are not readily available in local stores or during busy periods when I don't have time to visit physical shops. Additionally, online shopping often provides a wider selection of products and competitive prices.
2. Some of my favorite online shopping websites include Amazon, eBay, and Etsy for their vast range of products and ease of use. I also like to shop directly from brand websites for specific items or deals.
3. I purchase a variety of items and services online, including electronics, books, clothing, groceries, and occasional services like meal delivery or online courses.
4. I usually pay for online purchases using my credit or debit card. Sometimes, I use digital payment platforms like PayPal for added security and convenience.
5.
a) **Shopping online**:
Pros: Convenience, wide selection, competitive prices, ability to compare products and reviews easily, access to deals and discounts, and the option for home delivery.
Cons: Potential for scams or fraud, inability to see or try products before purchasing, shipping delays or issues, and concerns about data privacy and security.
b) **Shopping at a store or mall**:
Pros: Immediate access to products, ability to see and try items before buying, opportunity for in-person customer service, and the social aspect of shopping with friends or family.
|
