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Anonymous Posted 17 years ago
Grammar

If it rains...Should it rain...why is rain singular/plural?

Hi,

I was asked this question by a friend who speaks English as a second language but I don't know the answer.

Looking at the following two sentences:
1. If it rains this afternoon, I'll get wet.
2. Should it rain this afternoon, I'll get wet.

Given that 'if' and 'should' have the same meanings in these sentences, why is the word 'rain' singular in sentence 1 but plural in sentence 2?
  

Top answer

Anonymous Given that 'if' and 'should' have the same meanings in these sentences, why is the word 'rain' singular in sentence 1 but plural in sentence 2? "Rain" is infinitive in the second sentence. The verb that denotes time and number in that sentence is "should".

— Huevos

  • Anonymous Given that 'if' and 'should' have the same meanings in these sentences, why is the word 'rain' singular in sentence 1 but plural in sentence 2?
  • "Rain" is infinitive in the second sentence.
  • The verb that denotes time and number in that sentence is "should".
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2 Answers
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AnonymousGiven that 'if' and 'should' have the same meanings in these sentences, why is the word 'rain' singular in sentence 1 but plural in sentence 2?
"Rain" is infinitive in the second sentence. The verb that denotes time and number in that sentence is "should".
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Anonymouswhy is the word 'rain' singular in sentence 1 but plural in sentence 2?
Never add the s to the verb that follows should (or any other modal).

should rain, could rain, would rain, may rain, ...

Besides, if and should do not have the same meaning. It only seems that way in this type of sentence.
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