Conditional sentence: "should" in if-clause and "would" in the main

In my opinion, this would be a somewhat dated use of the subjunctive. It might be common in the literature of a hundred and fifty years ago.

It could also be interpreted as showing obligation. He should be happy for the favor, but he might not be.

AnonymousHe should be joyful if you would do that for him.

This seems an attempt to resurrect an old-fashioned way of speaking, but I think it misses because that turn of phrase, as I recall it, goes with the first person, thus:

I should be most pleased were you to assist him in this matter.

Then there's also the minor ob

Thank you, CalifJim and Avangi. I also want to correct this: the pertinent part or parts of my post, including the thread title, should have wording that says "'should' in the main clause and 'would' in the if-clause."

Hi,
I agree with CJ's response. I would like to add that this special use of should predominantly occurs in
formal British English, and should is usually followed by I or we. Also, should can be sometimes substituted for would.

I should be grateful if you put this book on the shelf.
We should be glad if you could come on time.

Anonymous"'should' in the main clause and 'would' in the if-clause."

I think we've already addressed this. You can construct a sentence like this which is correct, but it's not the most usual pattern in modern English. Here's an example:

I should be very happy to discuss it with you if you would meet me there at 10 o'clock.

I don't s

Anonymous I also want to correct this: the pertinent part or parts of my post, including the thread title, should have wording that says "'should' in the main clause and 'would' in the if-clause."

LOL! That "error" blew right by all of us! - A.