The Type 3 Conditional - Alternate forms

Modals in result clauses

Could have, might have, should have etc., can be used in place of would have.

• If he had known, he could have helped you.
  
• You might have finished the assignment on time, if you had planned more carefully.
  
• If you hadn't prepared, you should have told the professor.
  

But for

But for replaces if not and is followed by a noun. It is usually used in formal speech.

• But for our savings, we wouldn't have been able to make the payments.
  

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