Learn · Sentences Conditional

If you had told me sooner, I could have done something about it.

C2

Sentence

Narrator

If you had told me sooner, I could have done something about it.

Study notes

How to use in different contexts

Giving Advice

Next time, tell me sooner so I can help.

Describing Habits

I always try to address issues as soon as they're brought to my attention.

Asking About Others

Why didn't you tell me earlier? Could you have done something about it then?

Sharing Hypotheticals

If I'd known earlier, I would have prevented the problem.

Rephrased versions

Formal

Earlier notification would have enabled me to take appropriate action.

Casual

If you'd told me earlier, I could have helped.

Simpler English

I could have fixed it if you'd told me before.

Phrases to learn

had told me sooner

If you had informed me earlier.

could have done something about it

Had the ability to take action.