should it come to pass

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "should it come to pass" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to express a hypothetical situation or a condition that may occur in the future. Example: "Should it come to pass that we win the lottery, we will donate a portion to charity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

Surely, this kind of repudiation, should it come to pass, is clear as can be.

The New Yorker

The freeze on non-defence discretionary spending, should it come to pass, will trim $250 billion off the cumulative deficit over the next ten years.

The Economist

But it also doesn't sound as though a new superdivision, should it come to pass, would make much more than token gestures toward the athletes.

The New York Times

I can only guess at the amusing and original headlines their writers are working on to illustrate the happy story should it come to pass.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It is a second term, should it come to pass, that will alter American life in many ways, if predictions that Bush voiced at the luncheon come true.

The New York Times - Magazine

But the atmosphere of this matchup has also changed much in five years, and should it come to pass, the Mavericks will find themselves cast in the role of America's darlings, writes Randy Galloway in The Fort Worth Star-Telegram.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

And why? "Onan knew that the seed should not be his; and it came to pass, when he went in unto his brother's wife, that he spilled [it] on the ground, lest that he should give seed to his brother.

Huffington Post

Not only did they agree that the 51st state, if it comes to pass, should retain the name Long Island, but both also liked the retro sound of the Commonwealth of Long Island.

The New York Times

What's more, should it ever come to pass, it's bound to exacerbate the very problem that has Trump in a rage.

The Washington Post

Parliament has done slightly better, by establishing its right to interrogate the central-bank president at regular hearings.But a common foreign and security policy for Europe will be a different matter, should it ever come to pass.

The Economist

So that likely refers to stuff like Apple being rumoured to get into the streaming space, and the knock on effect a Cupertino iRadio could have on other services, should it indeed come to pass as rumoured.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "should it come to pass" to introduce a formal or serious tone when discussing hypothetical situations. This is particularly effective in legal documents, formal reports, or when discussing potential consequences.

Common error

Avoid using "should it come to pass" in casual conversation or informal writing. Its formality can sound stilted or pretentious in everyday contexts. Opt for simpler alternatives like "if it happens" or "if it occurs".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "should it come to pass" functions as a conditional conjunction, introducing a hypothetical situation or event. This aligns with Ludwig's analysis indicating its role in expressing contingency.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

20%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "should it come to pass" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase that introduces hypothetical situations. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its correct usage. It functions as a conditional conjunction, primarily found in news and formal contexts. While versatile, its formality suggests reserving it for more serious or professional communication. Simpler alternatives like "if it happens" are more suitable for informal conversations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

if it happens

Replaces the more formal idiom with a simpler conditional clause.

if it occurs

Substitutes "come to pass" with a more direct verb for happening.

in the event that it happens

Adds formality by explicitly stating the condition.

if the situation arises

Focuses on the circumstances that might lead to the event.

on the off chance that it happens

Highlights the low probability of the event.

assuming it happens

Expresses a condition based on a future event.

if such a thing were to happen

Emphasizes the hypothetical and potentially unlikely nature of the event.

should the occasion arise

Replaces "come to pass" with a more formal equivalent.

if the time comes

Simplifies the phrase to refer to a future point in time.

if fate allows

Introduces an element of destiny or chance.

FAQs

What does "should it come to pass" mean?

The phrase "should it come to pass" means "if it happens" or "if it occurs". It's a formal way to introduce a hypothetical situation or condition.

How can I use "should it come to pass" in a sentence?

You can use "should it come to pass" to express a condition or potential outcome. For example, "Should it come to pass that we win the lottery, we will donate a portion to charity."

What can I say instead of "should it come to pass"?

You can use alternatives like "if it happens", "if it occurs", or "in the event that" depending on the context.

Is "should it come to pass" formal or informal?

"Should it come to pass" is a formal phrase. It is more appropriate for formal writing and speeches rather than casual conversation. Alternatives such as "if it happens" are more suited to informal contexts.