should that be the case

USAGE SUMMARY

"should that be the case" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is typically used to express a hypothetical situation or possibility. Example: "I have been having some trouble with my phone. Should that be the case, I will need to take it to a repair shop."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

It is unclear whether CA will choose to give another player his chance following those three games, with Callum Ferguson a possible candidate should that be the case.

The Guardian - Sport

But why should that be the case?

The Economist

So why should that be the case?

Yale University

Why should that be the case?

University of California, Berkeley

Should that be the case, consider the Open's reputation restored.

The New York Times - Sports

Should that be the case, Servis could work him here or at Belmont Park, where the horse has never raced.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

And why shouldn't that be the case?

TechCrunch

Shouldn't that be the case?

Los Angeles Times

The registry should state this if that is the case.

WikiHow

Mr. Kiley added that the attorney general "knows or should know that is the case".

The New York Times

So they should insure that is the case with the big money coming from big data.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "should that be the case" to introduce a possible outcome or consequence, especially when the outcome is less certain or desirable. This phrase adds a level of formality and professionalism to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "should that be the case" in very simple or obvious situations where a more direct "if" statement would suffice. Overuse can make your writing sound unnecessarily verbose or pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "should that be the case" functions as a conditional clause, introducing a hypothetical situation or possibility. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct. Examples in Ludwig show its use in setting up alternative scenarios and potential outcomes.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Academia

23%

Science

13%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "should that be the case" is a grammatically sound and commonly used conditional phrase that introduces a hypothetical scenario or possibility. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is frequently used in news, academia, and science, making it a versatile tool for expressing contingencies. While less formal alternatives exist, this phrase adds a level of formality and precision to writing, indicating a thoughtful consideration of potential outcomes. Remember to avoid overusing it in simple situations where a direct "if" statement would suffice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

if that happens

This alternative is more direct and less formal than the original phrase.

in the event that happens

This option is similar to "if that happens" but slightly more verbose.

if that is so

This option is shorter and implies a condition already under discussion.

if this were to happen

This alternative suggests a hypothetical scenario, often implying unlikeliness.

in that event

This alternative provides a more formal tone, suitable for legal or official contexts.

if the situation arises

This phrase emphasizes the potential for a specific situation to occur.

assuming that occurs

This choice highlights the assumption of a specific event taking place.

on the condition that this occurs

This phrase sets a firm condition for a particular outcome.

if such a thing happens

This alternative adds emphasis to the hypothetical nature of the condition.

were that to occur

This is a more formal and somewhat archaic way of expressing a hypothetical situation.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "should that be the case" to sound less formal?

You can use phrases like "if that happens", "if so", or "if that's the case" as less formal alternatives. The choice depends on the specific context and the desired level of formality.

Is "should that be the case" grammatically correct?

Yes, "should that be the case" is grammatically correct and is widely used in formal writing and speech. It's a conditional phrase that introduces a possible scenario or consequence.

When is it appropriate to use "should that be the case" in writing?

It's appropriate to use "should that be the case" when you want to introduce a hypothetical situation or a possible outcome, especially in formal or professional contexts. It is also useful when describing contingencies or alternative plans.

What's the difference between "should that be the case" and "if that is the case"?

While both phrases express a conditional situation, "should that be the case" is often perceived as slightly more formal and emphasizes a potential, sometimes less likely, outcome. "If that is the case" is more neutral and straightforward.