Choose the most appropriate pair of phrases from the options to fill in the blanks in the given sentence:-

If I ____ your advice, I ____ today.

had followed, would not have regretted

The correct answer is Option (2) → had followed, would not have regretted

This sentence is an example of a Third Conditional structure, which is used to describe a hypothetical situation in the past and its unreal (or impossible) result in the present or past.

1. If Clause (Past Condition): Uses the Past Perfect Tense (had + P.P.).

   • If I had followed your advice (The failure to follow the advice happened in the past).

2. Main Clause (Result): Uses the Perfect Conditional (would/could/might + have + P.P.).

   • I would not have regretted (The consequence/lack of regret would apply now or at some past point).

The structure correctly expresses regret about a past action that cannot be changed.