should that happen

USAGE SUMMARY

"should that happen" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is often used to express the possibility of a future event or situation. Example: Should that happen, we will have to come up with a backup plan.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

'Why should that happen?

The Guardian

Should that happen, the game would be considered suspended.

The New York Times

Should that happen, fights over the remote may cease.

The New York Times - Tech

Should that happen, just about anything else could follow.

The Guardian - Sport

Should that happen, Ms. Burnett, at least, will be absent.

The New York Times

And should that happen, "the state of Israel is finished".

The New York Times

Should that happen, their mid-level exception would still be available for a player like Allen.

The New York Times

Should that happen, observers say Greece may need to prepare for civil unrest.

The New York Times

Should that happen, the cost could be vast and the damage difficult to reverse.

The New York Times

Should that happen, expect Philadelphia (and Collins) to receive a little more attention.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Should that happen as efforts to spur the economy take place, Schaeffer says MTH could be a winner.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "should that happen" to introduce a potential outcome or consequence, especially when you want to emphasize the conditional nature of the event. This phrase works well when you're outlining plans or discussing possible scenarios.

Common error

Avoid using "should that happen" in very informal or colloquial contexts. While grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal or stilted in casual conversation; consider a more relaxed alternative like "if that happens".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "should that happen" functions as a conditional clause introducer. It sets up a hypothetical scenario, indicating that the following statement depends on the occurrence of a specific event. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in introducing potential outcomes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Academia

10%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "should that happen" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to introduce a hypothetical scenario and its potential consequences. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's appropriate for both formal and neutral contexts, though simpler alternatives may be preferred in casual conversation. Its high usage in news media and academic writing underscores its utility in outlining contingencies. When writing, remember that this phrase adds a touch of formality and emphasizes the conditional nature of the statement, making it ideal for outlining plans or discussing possible scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

if that occurs

Replaces "happen" with "occurs", maintaining a formal tone.

if that comes to pass

Uses a more literary and somewhat formal way of saying "if that happens".

in the event that it happens

Adds more detail and formality to the condition.

if it were to happen

Emphasizes the hypothetical nature of the event.

assuming that happens

Focuses on the assumption of the event taking place.

suppose that happens

Similar to assuming, but carries a slightly more speculative tone.

if it should come about

Uses a more formal and less direct way to express the conditional.

on the off chance that it happens

Indicates a low probability of the event occurring.

if the situation arises

Generalizes the condition to any relevant situation.

were that to occur

Inverts the sentence structure for emphasis and formality.

FAQs

How can I use "should that happen" in a sentence?

"Should that happen" is used to introduce a hypothetical scenario and its potential outcome. For example, "Should that happen, we'll need to adjust our strategy immediately".

What are some alternatives to "should that happen"?

Alternatives include "if that occurs", "in the event that it happens", or "assuming that happens", each providing a slightly different nuance to the conditional statement.

Is "should that happen" formal or informal?

"Should that happen" leans towards the formal side, suitable for professional or academic writing. In casual conversation, simpler phrases like "if that happens" might be more appropriate.

What is the difference between "should that happen" and "if that happens"?

While both express a conditional scenario, "should that happen" often implies a slightly lower probability or a more hypothetical situation than "if that happens". The former can also add a touch of formality to the statement.