If I hadn't of done that or If I hadn't have done that?

ScottsEnglish

Which is correct to say when you are speaking in the conditional, "If I hadn't of done that" or "If I hadn't have done that"?

English speakers using the third conditional (If + had + past participle, then + modal + have + past participle - If I had studied harder, I could have gone to medical school) often place an of or a have in the "if" phrase.

But they are both wrong!

Wrong: If I had of seen the other car, I would not have had an accident. 
Wrong: If I had have seen the other car, I would not have had an accident. 

Correct: If I had seen the other car, I would not have had an accident. 

Some speakers feel that it sounds better to add the of or have , and some speakers think that it sounds educated. However, both are incorrect and should not be used.

If you hear either expression, think immediately "that is not correct" so that this example does not become a part of your speaking!

Have a look at the statements below.  Which ones are correct and which ones are incorrect?

1. If I had have seen him coming, I would have stayed inside my house.
2. If I had of been quicker, I would have bought that cheap vehicle at auction.
3. If I had looked harder, I'm sure I would have eventually found it.
4. If I had of tried harder, I wouldn't have failed my English test!

Answers:

1. incorrect
2. incorrect
3. correct
4. incorrect