This conditional structure is used to express hypotheses about past actions or situations that did not occur. It combines "si" + pluperfect, followed by a main clause in the past conditional.
Examples
- Si j'avais su, je t'aurais aidé. (If I had known, I would have helped you.)
- Si elle était venue, nous aurions dansé ensemble. (If she had come, we would have danced together.)
- Si nous avions étudié, nous aurions réussi l'examen. (If we had studied, we would have passed the exam.)
- Si vous aviez appelé, je serais venu plus tôt. (If you had called, I would have come earlier.)
- Si elles avaient acheté les billets, elles auraient vu le spectacle. (If they had bought the tickets, they would have seen the show.)
Usage
This structure is typically used to express regret, criticism, or speculation about past events. It allows for reflection on what could have happened if circumstances had been different.