should that occur

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "should that occur" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a conditional situation, indicating what will happen if a certain event takes place. Example: "We will implement the backup plan, should that occur."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

Should that occur, he added, the regulated tenants' rent then could be reduced.

The New York Times

"We have the capability of holding the mortgages and assets through a recession, should that occur," Mr. Kurland said Monday in an interview with Bloomberg Television.

The New York Times

Should that occur, Mr. Ackerman said, the decision would return to Florida, where the state's Republican governor and its Democratic attorney general would probably also fail to agree.

The New York Times

Should that occur, the folks at TD Garden might want to break out another, more funereal tune: "Theme From the Last Waltz," by the Band.

The New York Times - Sports

Mr. Putin himself marked its limits days after signing it, telling reporters that while Moscow and Beijing may both strenuously oppose scrapping the Antiballistic Missile Treaty, there will be no joint reaction should that occur.

The New York Times

At 6percentt annual appreciation (should that occur after the market stabilized), it would take about nine years for an apartment worth $1 million at peak — and about $600,000 at bottom — to regain its value, according to calculations by Mr. Miller.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

Should sexual assaults that occur on college campuses be handled by the school or by the criminal-justice system?

The New Yorker

(I) This means you should have different twists that occur.

WikiHow

A flag decides whether fragments should be skipped that occurring each compound.

Journal of Cheminformatics

Constipation that occurs should be managed aggressively after excluding bowel obstruction.

Clinical interventions in aging

People are starting to realize that pleasures are not experiences that should occur occasionally, but rather should be part of everyday life.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "should that occur", ensure the sentence maintains a formal tone to match the phrase's inherent formality. This phrase is best suited for professional, academic, or news contexts where a degree of detachment is appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "should that occur" in casual conversation or informal writing. This phrase can sound overly stilted or pretentious in contexts where a simpler phrasing like "if that happens" would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "should that occur" functions as an adverbial clause of condition. It introduces a hypothetical situation, specifying what will happen if a particular event takes place. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage across varied sources.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

35%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "should that occur" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, primarily functioning as an adverbial clause of condition. Ludwig AI confirms that it's widely accepted and used across diverse sources, including news, scientific publications, and wikis. Its purpose is to introduce a hypothetical situation and its potential consequences, maintaining a formal and professional tone. While simpler alternatives like "if that happens" exist, "should that occur" is particularly apt for contexts demanding a more elevated and precise register. Therefore, ensure its usage aligns with the overall formality of your writing to avoid stylistic inconsistencies.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

if that happens

This alternative uses simpler vocabulary, making it more straightforward and less formal.

in the event that it happens

Adds a layer of formality and specificity, suitable for legal or official contexts.

if such a thing were to happen

Introduces a more hypothetical or unlikely tone.

were that to be the case

More formal and emphasizes the hypothetical nature of the situation.

should this come to pass

Uses more archaic language, adding a dramatic or literary effect.

if this transpires

Implies that the event is unfolding or becoming known.

assuming that happens

Suggests a condition that is being taken into account.

on the off chance that it occurs

Highlights the low probability of the event.

if the situation arises

Focuses on the emergence of a particular circumstance.

contingent on that happening

Emphasizes that something else depends on this event occurring.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "should that occur" to sound less formal?

You can use alternatives like "if that happens", "if it occurs", or "in that case". These options are more suitable for everyday conversation and less formal writing.

What is the difference between "should that occur" and "if that occurs"?

"Should that occur" is generally more formal and emphasizes the hypothetical nature of the event. "If that occurs" is a more direct and neutral way of expressing the same condition. Using "if that occurs" is appropriate in a wider range of contexts.

Is "should that occur" appropriate for academic writing?

Yes, "should that occur" is suitable for academic writing, especially when discussing potential outcomes or scenarios. However, ensure the level of formality aligns with the overall tone of the paper.

Can "should that occur" be used in spoken English?

While grammatically correct, "should that occur" is less common in spoken English. Simpler alternatives like "if that happens" or "if it occurs" are typically preferred in conversation.