The Conditional: Type Three + Wishes

 

Third Conditional

The Third Conditional is used to express imaginary situations in the past — things that didn’t happen. We talk about how the result would have been different if the past had changed.

Examples:

• If I had remembered her birthday, I would have sent her a message.

• We would have caught the train if we had left earlier.

Structure:

• If + Past Perfect, Would Have + Past Participle

This structure is used to reflect regret, missed opportunities, or hypothetical outcomes in the past.

More Examples:

• If she had brought her umbrella, she wouldn't have gotten wet.

• They wouldn’t have failed the project if they had double-checked their work.

---

Third Conditional Exercise – Complete the sentences:

1. If I had studied graphic design, I ______________ (become) a designer.

2. They wouldn't have crashed the car if they ______________ (follow) the speed limit.

3. If we ______________ (book) the hotel in advance, we ______________ (get) a better room.

4. Mia would have helped us if she ______________ (know) about the issue.

5. If the teacher ______________ (explain) it clearly, the students wouldn't have been confused.

---

"Wish" – Expressing Regret or Unreal Situations

The word “wish” is used when you want something to be different from reality — either now (present) or about what you can’t do.

---

1. Wish + Past Simple → Unreal Present

Use this when you're unhappy about something in the present and want it to be different.

Structure:

• Subject + wish + past simple

Examples:

• I wish I had more time to exercise. (= I don’t have it now.)

• She wishes she worked closer to home. (= Her job is far.)

Note: With “I,” it is correct to say “I wish I were…” (formal), but many people say “I wish I was…” in informal speech.

---

2. Wish + Could → Unreal Ability or Possibility

Use this when talking about something you cannot do now, but you would like to.

Example:

• He wishes he could sing better. (= He can’t sing well now.)

---

Wish – Complete the sentences using the correct form of the verbs in brackets:

1. I wish I __________ (live) near the beach.

2. She wishes she __________ (know) how to cook well.

3. We wish we __________ (can) take a break from work.

4. They wish the library __________ (be) open on weekends.

5. He wishes he __________ (not / spend) so much time online.