should this become

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "should this become" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to introduce a hypothetical situation or condition that may arise in the future. Example: "Should this become a recurring issue, we will need to address it more seriously."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

There may be simpler and less expensive ways to reduce world temperatures should this become necessary.

The New York Times

Nor should this become a Tony Dungy crusade, a race issue, unless he somehow can't get another job.

The New York Times - Sports

The Government was working with primary health care trusts to ensure that arrangements for the distribution of anti-virals were in place should this become necessary.

Independent

Now that the first World Science Festival is over, there's an obvious question for Lab readers: Should this become an annual tradition in New York?

The New York Times

A modified mRNA vaccine can prevent ZIKV disease and be adapted to reduce the risk of sensitizing individuals to subsequent exposure to DENV, should this become a clinically relevant concern.

Cell

"Our judgment is that should this become a UK-wide system without legal protections in place, there would be an inevitable erosion of premium pay for employees in Scotland".

The Guardian - Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

Should this project become much larger, the AOA staff may become reluctant to verify applicant election to AOA.

BMC Medical Education

"Should this person become a repeat offender, we will encourage he get counseling," he said.

The New York Times

Why should this not become part of every stroke survivors' recovery ?

The Guardian

Furthermore, markerless rMVA is the desirable form should this vaccine become a licensed product.

Plosone

Should this now become a part of patient management?

Critical Care

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "should this become", ensure the subsequent clause clearly outlines the action or result that would follow. This keeps the sentence concise and impactful.

Common error

Avoid using "should this become" in overly informal or casual conversations. It can sound stilted or unnatural. Opt for simpler alternatives like "if this happens" or "in case this becomes" in such situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "should this become" functions as a conditional clause introducer, setting up a hypothetical scenario. As supported by Ludwig, it presents a situation that may or may not occur, prompting consideration of subsequent actions or outcomes. It commonly appears at the beginning of a sentence.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

33%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Academia

6%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "should this become" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to introduce conditional clauses. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous real-world examples from reputable sources. While suitable for formal and neutral contexts, it's less appropriate for casual conversation. Remember to use it to clearly set up hypothetical situations and consider the tone of your writing. As outlined, related phrases like "if this were to happen" or "in the event that this occurs" can offer alternative phrasing. By following best practices and avoiding common errors, you can effectively integrate "should this become" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

should this evolve

Similar to main query, "should this evolve" but focuses on the evolution of the situation.

if this were to happen

Replaces the more concise "should this become" with a more verbose conditional structure.

if this were the case

Establishes a hypothetical scenario for discussion or analysis.

in the event that this occurs

Emphasizes the possibility of a future occurrence, similar to "should this become".

assuming this develops

Focuses on the development or progression of a situation.

if this materializes

Highlights the realization or actualization of something that is currently only a possibility.

if this comes to pass

A more formal and slightly archaic way of saying "if this happens".

supposing this evolves

Similar to "assuming", but implies a gradual change or unfolding.

were this to transpire

A highly formal and less common alternative, suitable for academic or legal contexts.

on the off chance this happens

Emphasizes the low probability of the event occurring.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "should this become" in a more casual tone?

In less formal settings, you can use alternatives like "if this happens", "if this turns into", or "in case this becomes" to convey a similar meaning without sounding overly formal.

Is "should this become" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "should this become" is well-suited for formal writing, especially when introducing a hypothetical or conditional scenario. It adds a level of sophistication and precision to your writing.

What's the difference between "should this become" and "if this becomes"?

While both introduce a conditional clause, "should this become" often implies a slightly lower probability or a more formal tone than "if this becomes". Using "should" can also emphasize the hypothetical nature of the situation.

Can you provide examples of how to use "should this become" correctly in a sentence?

Examples include: "Should this become a recurring issue, we will need to reassess our strategy." or "Should this become law, it will have significant implications for the industry."