should they arise

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "should they arise" is perfectly correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are talking about potential issues that could arise in the future. For example: "We should prepare for any problems that might arise should they arise."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

We worked on strategies for raising any concerns with his employer should they arise.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"We must be ready to take on such cases should they arise," Ljungqvist said.

The New York Times - Sports

"We're trained to deal with these situations should they arise," said Carver, who compared the rescue with working on a film set.

The Guardian - Film

Brain cells, should they arise from the stem cells, are likely to be outcompeted by the normal porcine neurons from the pig.

The Guardian - Opinion

But it is unlikely that he will be able to evade questions about the harassment accusations or make light of them should they arise in the debate.

The New York Times

"There is a lack of ability to evaluate the effect, to monitor it and a lack of ability to manage emergencies should they arise, and most people just do not have the experience in dealing with complications".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

Possible scenarios for causes and solutions to conflict were discussed among the group so they were prepared for dealing with such situations, should they have arisen.

BMC Health Services Research

You don't want to talk about heavy things too early, though you should be ready when they arise.

The New York Times

While being ill is not a goal on any of our lists, having the resources to treat medical problems if they arise should be.

Forbes

What symptoms may occur in the future and what should I do if they arise?

British Journal of Cancer

Sticking to a strategy is hard to do, because common sense seems to dictate that we should respond to events as they arise.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "should they arise", ensure the sentence clearly outlines the planned response or action. This highlights preparedness and foresight.

Common error

Avoid using "should they arise" in situations where a simple 'if' clause suffices. Overusing this construction can make your writing sound unnecessarily formal or stilted in casual contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "should they arise" functions as a conditional clause, introducing a hypothetical situation. It sets up a condition that, if met, will trigger a specific outcome or action. Ludwig confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

31%

News & Media

31%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Social Media

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "should they arise" is a grammatically correct and commonly used conditional clause that introduces a hypothetical situation. According to Ludwig, it's perfectly suitable for written English, particularly in contexts where preparedness and contingency are emphasized. The phrase is most frequently found in scientific, news, and formal business settings, reflecting its neutral to formal register. While alternatives like "if they occur" exist, "should they arise" often conveys a slightly more formal tone. Remember to use it judiciously, avoiding overuse in simple scenarios to maintain a natural and clear writing style.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

if they occur

Replaces the conditional 'should' with a more direct 'if', simplifying the structure.

in the event that they happen

Emphasizes the possibility of an event occurring, adding a formal tone.

if the need arises

Focuses on the necessity of action, rather than the simple occurrence of an event.

should the occasion present itself

Adds a more formal and somewhat literary tone to the condition.

if such a situation develops

Specifies the type of event as a 'situation', adding a layer of detail.

if they come up

Uses a more informal phrasal verb, making the condition sound less formal.

if problems emerge

Specifically refers to 'problems' rather than general events, narrowing the context.

when they materialise

Implies that the events are becoming real or concrete, changing the focus.

if circumstances dictate

Highlights the influence of external circumstances on the potential events.

on the off chance they crop up

Adds an informal and slightly dismissive tone, suggesting a low probability.

FAQs

How can I use "should they arise" in a sentence?

Use "should they arise" to introduce a conditional clause, like in "We must be ready to address any issues "should they arise"".

What phrases are similar to "should they arise"?

Alternatives include "if they occur", "in the event that they happen", or "if the need arises", each carrying a slightly different nuance.

Is it better to use "if they arise" instead of "should they arise"?

While both are grammatically correct, "should they arise" often implies a slightly more formal or hypothetical tone compared to the more direct "if they arise".

What's the difference between "should they arise" and "if a problem arises"?

"Should they arise" is a more general conditional statement. "If a problem arises" specifies a particular type of event. The choice depends on the desired level of specificity.