The Grammar Lab: Conditionals
Changing the Past?
We use these structures to talk about things that did not happen in the past. It is for regrets or imagining a different history.
Past Change
Result?
Third Conditional
Used when the condition was in the past, and the result was also in the past.
Formula: If + Had V3, ... Would Have V3
Formula: If + Had V3, ... Would Have V3
| If I had known, I would have come. | ចប់តាំងពីអតីត |
| If she hadn't slept, she would have passed. | (She slept, so she failed) |
Mixed Conditional
Used when the condition was in the past, but the result is true NOW.
Formula: If + Had V3, ... Would + V1 (Now)
Formula: If + Had V3, ... Would + V1 (Now)
| If I had won the lottery, I would be rich now. | ឥឡូវខ្ញុំមាន |
| If he had eaten, he wouldn't be hungry. | ឥឡូវគាត់ឃ្លាន |
Common Mistake
Never put "Would" inside the "If" part.
| If I had seen you... | Correct ✅ |
| If I would have seen you... | Wrong ❌ |
Regret Flipper
Turn the real past into a hypothetical regret.
I didn't study. I failed.Reality
I ate too much. I am sick now.Reality
She missed the bus. She was late.Reality
He didn't save money. He is poor now.Reality
Quick Check
1. (Third) If I had seen him, I _____ hello.
2. (Mixed) If I had taken the job, I _____ in London now.
3. If I _____ known, I wouldn't have gone.