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If I had known you were coming, I would have prepared something.

B2

Sentence

Narrator

If I had known you were coming, I would have prepared something.

Study notes

How to use in different contexts

Expressing Regret

I regret not knowing you were coming; I would have prepared something special.

Making an Excuse

I'm so sorry, I didn't know you were coming, otherwise I would have prepared a meal.

Hypothetical Situation

If they had let me know in advance, I would have prepared a presentation.

Showing Consideration

I wish I had known you were coming; I would have made sure there was enough food.

Rephrased versions

Formal

Had I been aware of your arrival, I would have made preparations.

Casual

If I'd known you were coming, I would have gotten something ready.

Simpler English

I would have made something if I knew you were coming.

Phrases to learn

If I had known

Expressing a hypothetical situation based on past events.

would have prepared

Expressing a hypothetical action in the past.