1. Third Conditional:
- Form:
- if + past perfect, would(n’t) have + past participle
- Or
- would (n’t) have + past participle + if + past perfect
- Usage: Used to discuss hypothetical past situations and their results. Describes what could have happened if a different choice had been made.
- If you had asked me, I would have done it.
2. Mixed Conditionals:
- Different combinations of tenses in the if-clause and result-clause to express hypothetical situations in the present, past, or future.
- Used to talk about results of hypothetical past or present situations.
- Examples:
- If I’d saved more, I’d be rich.
- If I didn’t have savings, I wouldn’t be going on holiday.
- If I had more qualifications, I would have got the job.
3. Wishes and Regrets:
- type 1: Use “wish + past verb” to talk about desired changes in present situations.
- Examples: I wish I could help you.
- type 2: Use “wish + something/someone + would + infinitive without to” to express desires for actions or changes in behavior.
- Examples: I wish they would stop talking so loudly!
- type 3: Use “wish + past perfect” to express regrets about past situations.
- Examples: I wish I’d thought about the other costs before I bought it.
4. Should(n’t) Have:
- Use “should(n’t) have + past participle” to express regret or acknowledge a mistake.
- Example: I should have listened to him.
5. If It Wasn’t For…:
- Use “if it wasn’t/weren’t for + noun phrase” to express dependence on another situation or person.
- Example: If it wasn’t for the car, I’d have no money worries now.
These different conditional structures allow us to discuss various hypothetical situations, express desires, regrets, and acknowledge mistakes in different contexts.