The table below shows the forms and uses of the third and a mixed conditional. Read the information given and then move on to the questions on the next page.
Type | Usage | Form | Example |
Third |
To speculate about a possibility in the past which did not actually occur (often used to talk about regret)
|
If + past perfect… + would have + past participle | If it had always been compulsory to wear seatbelts, many more victims of car accidents would have survived. |
Mixed*
|
To link a past action with a present result
(This is a mixture of a 3rd and 2nd conditional) |
If + past perfect… + would + base verb | If the Government had introduced environmental protection laws sooner, air pollution levels would be lower. |
*N.B. other types of mixed conditional are also possible