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What Would Have Happened

Third Conditional

The third, or 'past', conditional is used to imagine past outcomes different than what actually took place. This conditional is used to express what would have been different if a person had done something differently.

'If' clause - past perfect + , + result clause - would + have + verb (conditional perfect tense)

Examples of Past Unreal Outcomes

She would have sold the luxury properties if the economy had continued to grow.

She would have cut out seafood if the shrimp had been found to contain mercury.

She would have prepared desserts if Susan had thrown the party.

She wouldn't have agreed with her business acquaintances if she'd know the whole story.

Do not use a comma, when placing the result clause first.

She would have cut out seafood if the shrimp had been found to contain mercury.

She would have trained as a food service professional if she had got the job.

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