should this happen

USAGE SUMMARY

'should this happen' is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to express a hypothetical situation. For example: "I will call my lawyer if should this happen and I need legal advice."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Can and should this happen?

The New Yorker

Should this happen, a problem may be the reason.

Harvard University

"With all the electronic scoring, should this happen?

The New York Times - Sports

"People will say: 'Why should this happen now?

The New York Times

Should this happen, just keep breathing and take a break.

The New York Times - Health

So why should this happen to Kader, who has apologised to Lacourt for the tackle?

The Guardian - Sport

Why should this happen to a precious landscape like this? ALICE E. BISK Far Rockaway, Queens.

The New York Times - Travel

And should this happen before or after the final result of the vote is known?

The Guardian - Opinion

Should this happen, you can just use the unsubscribe link on the other email service.

The Guardian

Should this happen, she says, the charity supports people through their emotions.

The Guardian

Should this happen, Congress and some judges will try to intervene.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "should this happen", ensure the subsequent clause clearly outlines the expected consequence or action. This helps maintain clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "should this happen" when you're certain about an outcome. This phrase is best suited for hypothetical situations with uncertain results.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "should this happen" functions as an introductory conditional clause, setting up a hypothetical situation. According to Ludwig, this structure is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "should this happen" is a grammatically sound and frequently used conditional phrase for introducing hypothetical scenarios. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and applicability across diverse contexts, particularly in news, academic, and scientific domains. When writing, ensure that the subsequent clause clarifies the outcome or response to the hypothetical event. Be mindful that using simpler alternatives may be more appropriate for casual settings. The phrase is best employed when discussing uncertain or less probable events.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

if this occurs

Replaces "happen" with "occurs", maintaining a formal tone.

if this comes to pass

Uses a more formal and somewhat archaic expression for "happen".

in the event that this happens

Adds more emphasis to the conditional nature of the phrase.

if this were to occur

Emphasizes the hypothetical and potentially unlikely nature of the event.

assuming this occurs

Highlights the assumption that the event might happen.

suppose this takes place

Offers a more conversational way to introduce a hypothetical scenario.

on the condition that this happens

Specifies that something else is dependent on this event occurring.

if such a thing occurs

Introduces a degree of generality about the event.

in case this takes place

Implies preparation for the event if it happens.

should this be the case

Frames the hypothetical event as a potential situation or circumstance.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "should this happen" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, you can use alternatives like "if this occurs" or "in the event that this happens". These options add a layer of formality suitable for professional or academic contexts.

What's the difference between "should this happen" and "if this happens"?

While both introduce a conditional clause, "should this happen" often implies a slightly lower probability or a more unexpected scenario compared to the more direct "if this happens". The choice depends on the nuance you want to convey.

Can "should this happen" be used in everyday conversation?

Yes, "should this happen" is appropriate for everyday conversation. However, consider using simpler alternatives like "if this happens" or "in case this happens" for more casual contexts.

Is it grammatically correct to start a sentence with "should this happen"?

Yes, starting a sentence with "should this happen" is grammatically correct. It's a form of conditional inversion, where "should" takes the place of "if" to introduce the conditional clause.