if there should be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "if there should be" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing a hypothetical or uncertain situation. For example, "If there should be any questions, feel free to contact me."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"If there should be any attempt to take power from them by force, they will fight".

Independent

If there should be a second deal, might Congress scupper it?The possibility seems real.

The Economist

"It's up to the workers to decide if there should be a union," Mr. Clark said.

The New York Times

"If there should be a receiver in the draft," Edwards said, "we might pick one.

The New York Times - Sports

When asked if there should be a players-only meeting, Thomas said: "I thought about that.

The New York Times - Sports

Or if there should be one, whether it should be a joint affair with the hens.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Asked if there should be, he suggested that it would be helpful.

The New York Times

11.53am BST Patry Hoskins asks if there should be a clearer distinction between news and comment.

The Guardian

I asked Kalash if there should be a public report of any death in the kingdom.

The New Yorker

It seems as if there should be something profound in this, but the reporter cannot figure out what it is.

The New York Times

After an 18-year ban from appearing in public, he was asked if there should be any rules for satire.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "if there should be" to introduce a hypothetical situation, especially when you want to sound slightly more formal or emphasize uncertainty. For example: "If there should be any changes, we will notify you immediately."

Common error

Avoid using "if there should be" when a simple "if there is" is clearer and more direct. Overusing "should" can make your writing sound unnecessarily convoluted. For instance, instead of "If there should be a problem, contact us", consider "If there is a problem, contact us".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "if there should be" functions as a conditional clause introducer. It presents a hypothetical scenario that, if realized, will lead to a particular outcome. As per Ludwig, the construction is grammatically correct and frequently employed.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "if there should be" is a grammatically sound and versatile conditional expression, used to introduce hypothetical scenarios, often with a degree of formality or uncertainty. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is correct and widely accepted. The phrase is most commonly found in news and media, scientific writing, and formal business contexts, lending itself to situations where careful consideration of potential outcomes is necessary. While "if there is" provides a more direct alternative, "if there should be" offers a nuanced way to convey contingency. When choosing between them, consider the level of formality and the degree of emphasis on uncertainty that you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

should there be

Uses inverted syntax for a more formal or literary tone.

if there happens to be

Emphasizes the element of chance or unplanned occurrence.

were there to be

Offers a more hypothetical and somewhat formal way to express a condition.

in the event that there is

Provides a more formal and structured alternative for hypothetical situations.

if it happens that there is

Highlights the coincidental nature of a potential situation.

if it turns out that there is

Suggests a situation that becomes apparent over time.

if ever there is

Conveys a sense of possibility, though perhaps unlikely.

assuming there is

Introduces a condition that, if true, affects the outcome.

on the off chance that there is

Indicates a situation that is unlikely but still possible.

if we happen to find

Focuses on a specific action and its potential outcome.

FAQs

How can I use "if there should be" in a sentence?

Use "if there should be" to introduce a hypothetical or uncertain condition. For example: "If there should be a delay, we will inform you promptly."

What's a more formal alternative to "if there should be"?

A more formal alternative is "in the event that there is". This phrase provides a structured tone suitable for legal or official documents.

Is it always necessary to use "should" in conditional sentences?

No, it's not always necessary. "Should" adds a layer of formality or uncertainty. In many cases, a simple "if there is" is sufficient and clearer.

What is the difference between "if there is" and "if there should be"?

"If there is" implies a more straightforward condition, while "if there should be" suggests a more hypothetical, less likely, or more formal scenario. The choice depends on the context and the level of formality you want to convey.