should they decide

USAGE SUMMARY

"should they decide" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
It is a conditional phrase used to indicate a hypothetical situation or possible future action. Example: "Should they decide to go on vacation, they will need to save up some money first."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

without being overcrowded should they decide to stay with us.

Stanford University

Why should they decide on their future based on what average realities the president forecasts.

The New York Times

We do this so that they might improve, should they decide to stop being fictional.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

There are plenty of people who would take their place should they decide to leave.

The Guardian

Should they decide it is, they will then have to face up to its heavy responsibilities.

The New York Times - Books

And should they decide later to rejoin Medicare, these people may be subject to late enrollment penalties.

The New York Times

Should they decide to go that way, they'll almost certainly need votes from legislators of both parties.

The New York Times

When a group succeeded in generating a number of proposals or package deals, how should they decide which one prevails?

Harvard University

Should they decide not to, the department is able to provide an official letter confirming the student's completion.

University of California, Berkeley

City could offer Ukraine midfielder Oleksandr Zinchenko as a makeweight should they decide to move for Ndombele.

The Telegraph

Should they decide to take a public stand, having a strong reputation will lend them extra credibility and influence.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "should they decide", ensure the main clause clearly outlines the consequence or result of their decision. This helps maintain clarity and logical flow in your sentences.

Common error

Avoid using "should they decide" when a direct statement of fact is more appropriate. Overusing conditional phrases can make your writing sound uncertain or unnecessarily complex.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "should they decide" functions as a conditional clause introducer. It sets up a hypothetical scenario where a particular decision is made, influencing the outcome of the main clause. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Academia

22%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "should they decide" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to introduce a conditional clause, expressing a hypothetical scenario contingent upon a decision. As demonstrated by Ludwig, it frequently appears in News & Media and Academic contexts, with a neutral to formal register. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage, emphasizing its role in expressing conditionality and potential outcomes. When writing, remember to use this phrase to clearly outline potential consequences of a decision and avoid overuse in place of direct statements.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

if they choose to

Replaces "should they decide" with a more direct conditional statement.

in case they decide

Offers a slightly more cautious or anticipatory tone.

if they opt to

Uses "opt" to suggest a choice or preference.

assuming they decide

Highlights the assumption underlying the decision.

should they elect to

Uses "elect" which implies a formal or deliberate decision.

if they resolve to

Suggests a firm decision or resolution.

in the event they determine

A more formal and emphatic version of "should they decide".

if they come to the conclusion

Emphasizes the process of reaching a decision.

if a decision is made

Puts more emphasis on the decision than on the actor.

if it is their decision

Emphasizes that the described action is a choice.

FAQs

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

"Should they decide" is used to introduce a conditional clause, indicating a possible decision and its potential outcome. For instance, "Should they decide to invest, they could see significant returns".

What are some alternatives to "should they decide"?

Alternatives include "if they choose to", "in the event they determine", or "if they opt to" depending on the desired level of formality.

Is there a difference between "if they decide" and "should they decide"?

While both introduce a conditional clause, "should they decide" carries a slightly more formal tone and implies a degree of uncertainty or speculation compared to the more straightforward "if they decide".

When is it best to use "should they decide" instead of a simpler conditional?

Use "should they decide" when you want to emphasize the hypothetical nature of the decision and add a touch of formality. It is particularly useful in professional or academic writing where precision and nuance are important.