grammar · neutral
If + past perfect, could have + past participle
Used to express that, if a past condition had been met, it would have made something possible in the past (emphasises possibility/ability with 'could have').
Examples
“If she had taken the earlier train, she could have arrived on time.”
“If they had known about the deadline, they could have submitted the application.”
“If I had saved more last year, I could have travelled during the holidays.”
Band 8 sentence
“If policymakers had consulted frontline teachers earlier, they could have implemented more realistic reforms.”
Common mistakes
If he had left earlier, he would arrive on time.→If he had left earlier, he could have arrived on time.
If they knew, they could have helped.→If they had known, they could have helped.
Say it for a higher band
5If + past simple, could + V→6If + past perfect, would have + past participle→7+If + past perfect, could have + past participle
Easily confused
If + past perfect, would have + past participle
“If I had read the lecture notes, I would have answered that question.”
Related words
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In Conditionals
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