Understanding the Third Conditional

Emma from mmmEnglish introduces the third conditional, a grammar structure used to express regrets and hypothetical situations in the past. The lesson covers the structure of the third conditional, including the 'if' clause and the main clause, and provides examples to illustrate its use. Emma explains how to form sentences using the past perfect and perfect conditional, and discusses the use of modals like 'might' and 'could' to express probability and ability. The video concludes with a practice quiz to reinforce learning.

What is the main purpose of the third conditional?

• To talk about general truths

• To discuss future possibilities

• To express regrets about past situations

• To describe ongoing actions

Which of the following is a characteristic of the third conditional?

• It states general facts

• It talks about real past events

• It describes hypothetical past situations

• It predicts future outcomes

In the sentence 'If I had left earlier, I wouldn't have missed my flight,' what is being expressed?

• A current action

• A past regret

• A general truth

• A future plan

What is the structure of the third conditional?

• If + present simple, will + base verb

• If + past simple, would + base verb

• If + past perfect, would have + past participle

• If + present perfect, will have + past participle

Which modal verb can be used to express probability in the third conditional?

• Must have

• Might have

• Should have

• Will have

What should you do if you want to express ability in a third conditional sentence?

• Use 'would have'

• Use 'could have'

• Use 'should have'

• Use 'must have'

In the mini-quiz, what is the correct third conditional sentence for not preparing for a job interview?

• If I prepare more, I will get the job.

• If I had prepared more, I would have got the job.

• If I prepare more, I would have got the job.

• If I had prepared more, I will get the job.

What is the correct third conditional sentence for not helping a friend in trouble?

• If I had known, I would have helped.

• If I know, I will help.

• If I had known, I will help.

• If I knew, I would help.

What is the correct third conditional sentence for showing up empty-handed at a dinner party?

• If I had known, I would have brought something.

• If I knew, I would bring something.

• If I had known, I will bring something.

• If I know, I will bring something.

What is the correct third conditional sentence for using a phone while driving?

• If he hadn't used his phone, he wouldn't have got a fine.

• If he hadn't used his phone, he won't get a fine.

• If he doesn't use his phone, he won't get a fine.

• If he didn't use his phone, he wouldn't get a fine.