Grammar: Conditional type III

Grammar: Conditional type III

Use
Conditional type III is used to express conditions in the past that did not happen. It is often used to express criticism or regret using would have, could have or should have.
Form
IF CLAUSE [If + S + had + pp]	MAIN CLAUSE [S + would/could/should have + pp]
If I had worked harder,	I would have passed my exam.
If I had been rich,	I would have bought a beautiful car.
If I had had a camera,	I would have taken some pictures.
If she had learnt English,	she would have had a job.

NB. If you start with the if clause, use a comma after it.

MAIN CLAUSE [S + would/could/should have + pp]	IF CLAUSE [If + S + had + pp]
I would have passed my exam	If I had worked harder.
I would have bought a beautiful car	If I had been rich.
I would have taken some pictures	If I had had a camera.
she would have had a job	If she had learnt English.

NB. If you start with the main clause, don't use a comma after it.