should that not occur

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "should that not occur" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in formal contexts to express a conditional situation where something is expected to happen, but if it does not, there may be an alternative course of action. Example: "We will proceed with the project as planned; should that not occur, we will reassess our timeline."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

This Event Calculus specifies patterns of events that should, or should not, occur within a specified period of time.

Journal of Cloud Computing

They were written as a statement of the kind of medication management that should or should not occur, to simplify comprehension and facilitate uptake.

BMJ Open

We are looking deeper into the design of these products to see if they present a hidden hazard that is leading to fall injuries that should not occur, even on a product that presents some risk of falling.

TechCrunch

A simple review of the raw materials would have identified that the additive contained a toxic material that should not occur in a food product.

Environmental Health: A Global Access Science Source

State and local governments recognize that death or illness from a vaccine-preventative disease is a tragedy that should not occur in America, and require a series of vaccines before students attend school.

Huffington Post

"I am obviously going to investigate this very carefully and obviously this is something that should not occur".

The New York Times

Yet in the previous 12 months there had been four "never events" – serious patient safety incidents that should not occur.

Independent

Reliance told the agency that the FPE breakers will trip reliably at most overload levels unless the breakers have been operated in a repetitive, abusive manner that should not occur during residential use.

The Washington Post

We found that in two-child families of some first-generation immigrants, having elder daughters significantly increases the chances of the second child being male – an imbalance in the sex ratio that should not occur naturally.

Independent

These are serious, largely preventable patient safety incidents, such as leaving behind swabs or surgical instruments in patients, that should not occur if the available preventative measures have been implemented.

BBC

"Certainly, the use of a battering rams to combat minor offenses is something that should not occur," the paper wrote.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "should that not occur" to introduce a formal condition where the failure of a primary plan necessitates a backup strategy. It adds a layer of sophistication to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "should that not occur" in informal contexts. Its formality can sound stilted or pretentious in casual conversation or writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "if that doesn't happen".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "should that not occur" functions as a conditional clause, introducing a scenario where the expected outcome does not happen. It sets the stage for an alternative action or consequence. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Missing

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "should that not occur" is a grammatically correct conditional phrase used to introduce an alternative outcome if the primary expectation is unmet. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. It carries a formal tone, making it suitable for academic, scientific, or professional contexts, though less appropriate for casual conversation. While not frequently encountered, it serves to express contingencies with sophistication. Alternatives include phrases like "if that doesn't happen" or "in the event that doesn't happen" to suit different levels of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

should that fail to happen

Maintains a formal tone while highlighting the potential failure of an event.

were that not to happen

Uses an inversion to introduce a hypothetical situation with a formal register.

if that doesn't happen

Replaces the formal tone with a more straightforward expression of a condition.

if that is not the case

Presents a direct alternative when the expected condition is not true.

in the event that doesn't happen

Introduces a more formal tone emphasizing a possible but undesirable outcome.

in case that doesn't come about

Offers a cautionary tone, indicating preparation for an alternative scenario.

if that fails to materialize

Emphasizes the lack of realization or appearance of something expected.

if it turns out otherwise

Indicates a change from the expected outcome, focusing on the result.

assuming that does not transpire

Suggests a hypothetical scenario where an event does not occur as anticipated.

if this does not come to pass

Employs a more literary and formal expression for an unrealized event.

FAQs

How can I use "should that not occur" in a sentence?

Use "should that not occur" to introduce a contingency plan or alternative action if the primary plan fails. Example: "We anticipate a smooth rollout; "if that doesn't happen", we're prepared to escalate support."

What are some alternatives to "should that not occur"?

Alternatives include "if that doesn't happen", "in the event that doesn't happen", or "if that fails to materialize" depending on the level of formality required.

Is "should that not occur" formal or informal?

"Should that not occur" is a relatively formal expression. In more informal contexts, consider using simpler alternatives such as "if that is not the case" or "if that doesn't happen".

When is it appropriate to use "should that not occur"?

It is appropriate to use "should that not occur" in formal writing, business communications, or situations where a degree of sophistication is desired. Avoid it in casual conversation or informal correspondence.