What is the third conditional and how is it used?

Can you explain what the third conditional is?

The third conditional is used to talk about hypothetical situations in the past that didn't happen. It often follows the structure: 'If + past perfect, would have + past participle.'

Can you give me an example of a third conditional sentence?

Sure! An example would be: 'If I had known about the party, I would have gone.' This means I didn't know about the party, so I didn't go.

When should I use the third conditional?

You use the third conditional to express regret or to imagine different outcomes in the past. It's often used in discussions about missed opportunities.

Are there any common mistakes people make with the third conditional?

Yes, a common mistake is using the wrong verb forms, like saying 'If I would have known...' instead of 'If I had known...'. It's important to use the past perfect in the 'if' clause.