should this not succeed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "should this not succeed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a conditional situation where something may fail or not work as intended. Example: "Should this not succeed, we will need to explore alternative solutions."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

They have opinions on who should — and shouldn't — succeed them.

The Washington Post

And should you not succeed, do not become disillusioned.

Stanford University

But the young athletes below him have less certain futures -- both in the competitive world of professional basketball and in the larger world, should they not succeed on the court.

The New York Times

Should he not succeed, Mr. Huckabee could well be remembered as the victim of an accelerated nominating calendar that rewards candidates with money or fame, neither of which Mr. Huckabee can claim, and does not allow the time for a little-known candidacy to catch fire.

The New York Times

Even as he promotes Mrs. Clinton — she is the best prepared to be president, he says, and she "gets it" — Mr. Rendell is careful to keep the door open with Mr. Obama should she not succeed in winning her party's presidential nomination.

The New York Times

Unlike in 2007, he has promised to endorse one of the second-round candidates in 2012, should he not succeed himself.

BBC

Should we not succeed, and emissions continue to increase, the Paris Agreement could come to symbolise all that is wrong with the world, and with the present world order.

Huffington Post

Europe has a major duty to promote the development of these new areas, many of which look set to join the Community, but there is every likelihood that all our investments will be in vain should we not succeed in defeating these organisations of gangsters which will otherwise reap all the benefit of our investments.

EU Parlament

A sceptical Mr McCain says he wants the Pentagon to examine alternatives to the F-35, should Mr Carter not succeed.How worried should Lockheed Martin be?

The Economist

Even when it comes to the EPA legal route, were it without the support of conclusive numbers in both houses, those in opposition might consider what the substance of their platforms consist of as, should this energy revolution not succeed, there will be sore and urgent need for their best ideas to be offered.

BBC

Three divisions of reserve remained at the hamlets of Kamlack and Mindel, to support the attack made by General Lecourbe on Ulm, in a case it should succeed, or Grenier's attack upon Gunzburg, in case Lecourbe should not succeed.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "should this not succeed" in formal writing where a conditional outcome needs to be expressed with a degree of sophistication. For instance, in legal documents or academic papers, this phrase adds a layer of formality that might be absent in simpler alternatives like "if this fails".

Common error

Avoid using "should this not succeed" in informal contexts such as casual emails or conversations. Its formality can sound out of place and unnatural in everyday communication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "should this not succeed" functions as a conditional clause, introducing a hypothetical situation where a particular action or plan does not achieve the desired outcome. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase's grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "should this not succeed" is a grammatically sound and formally appropriate phrase used to introduce a conditional clause where a plan or action may not achieve the desired outcome. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. While examples are limited, it is suitable for professional and academic writing where a degree of sophistication is valued. Simpler alternatives like "if this fails" may be more appropriate for informal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Should this fail

Shortened version of the original phrase, still retaining formality.

If this is unsuccessful

Replaces 'should this not succeed' with a more direct conditional clause.

Failing this

A concise alternative to indicate a subsequent action if the first fails.

In the event of failure

Focuses on the possibility of failure as a condition.

Assuming it is not successful

Specifies the lack of success as a condition.

If it doesn't work out

An informal alternative focusing on a negative outcome.

If this endeavor fails

More formal, emphasizing a failed attempt or effort.

Were this to be unsuccessful

A more hypothetical and formal phrasing.

If this proves unavailing

A more formal and less common way of expressing lack of success.

If this does not come to fruition

Highlights the lack of realization or completion.

FAQs

How can I use "should this not succeed" in a sentence?

You can use "should this not succeed" to introduce a contingency plan. For example, "Should this not succeed, we will need to explore alternative solutions".

What's a simpler way to say "should this not succeed"?

Alternatives include "if this fails" or "in the event of failure". These options are less formal and more direct.

Is "should this not succeed" grammatically correct?

Yes, "should this not succeed" is grammatically correct. It uses inverted syntax common in conditional clauses.

When is it appropriate to use "should this not succeed"?

Use "should this not succeed" in formal writing or when you want to emphasize the possibility of a plan or action not achieving its intended outcome.