If S should(or were to)....

Question

Could you check it out whether following sentences are correct?

Thanks.

1.

If it should rain tomorrow, we will not start.

If it should rain tomorrow, we would not start.

If it were to rain tomorrow, we would/should not start.

2.

If it should not rain tomorrow, we will not start.

If it should not rain tomorrow, we would not start.

If it were not to rain tomorrow, we would/should not start.

English 1b3 · Accepted Answer

lucas21cCould you check it out whether following sentences are correct?

Thanks.

==

1.

If it should rain tomorrow, we will not start.

If it should rain tomorrow, we would not start.

If it were to rain tomorrow, we would/should not start.

2.

If it should not rain tomorrow, we will not start.

If it should not rain tomorrow, we would not start.

If it were not to rain tomorrow, we would/should not start.

Hi, Lucas

I read your question, hoping that I would scroll down to see an answer as I too struggle with such constructions. The basic 3 conditional patters do not fit these, so I would like to know what one considers to determine whether these are grammatical.

Incidentally, I would like to put forth some more formal, and possibly archaic, alternatives to the 'if clause' just for your interest:

Should it rain tomorrow,

Were it to rain tomorrow,

Should it not rain tomorrow,

Were it not to rain tomorrow,

Mr Wordy · Answer

I can't give you an authoritative answer, but I can tell you how they sound to me. When dealing with sentences like this, bear in mind that some permutations that are technically correct, and that you may read in more traditional grammars, may sound stiff, awkward or old-fashioned to modern speakers. Some permutations that were never very good may also sound old-fashioned (rather than just bad) by association.

1.

If it should rain tomorrow, we will not start. -- Sounds OK (rather formal).

If it should rain tomorrow, we would not start. -- Sounds possible, but slightly more literary and convoluted.

If it were to rain tomorrow, we would not start. -- Sounds OK (rather formal).

If it were to rain tomorrow, we should not start. -- Sounds awkward and/or old-fashioned.

A more likely way to say this in everyday English is "If it rains tomorrow, we won't start".

2.

If it should not rain tomorrow, we will not start. -- Sounds awkward.

If it should not rain tomorrow, we would not start. -- Sounds awkward.

If it were not to rain tomorrow, we would/should not start. -- Sounds awkward.

A more likely way to say this in everyday English is "Unless it rains tomorrow, we won't start".

Anonymous · Answer

As I am spanish I have not any idea to determine which alternative sounds more archaic, but I prefer WERE IT TO RAIN TOMORROW, because of the 'inverted subject verb word order' and because of employing  'Were + To-infinitive' form . I Think it is very formal and with a strong 'pathos' of little probability ...

Grammarfreak · Answer

I think learners should be aware that each of the example mentioned previously had a unique suggested connotation. "Should it rain.." and " were it to rain" are subjunctive in addition to the 3 conditionals which expresses a certain degree of possibility and certainty based on the person's perspective. For events in everyday life, my suggestion is, we can use condition 1, unless one has a doubt or a feeling of uncertainty in a situation, then use 3rd conditional.
Here is an excerpt from a website that may help you navigate through the maze of conditionals:

1) If it rains, I'll wear a raincoat. type I (probable condition)2) If we had taken enough water, we wouldn't have been thirsty. type III (impossible condition)3) If the children were older, they would go to the party. type II (improbable condition)4) Harry could fly to http://www.textsrv.com/click?v=VVM6MTQzNTM6NjgwOmhlbHNpbmtpOjVlNTM2YWJlZGE3ODgzMmZmNDA1NjQwZThhMWRlYzEzOnotMTA2My0xNTIyODp3d3cuZW5nbGlzY2gtaGlsZmVuLmRl if he had more money. type II (improbable condition)5) If Mark does the washing up, his mother will have more time for him. type I (probable condition)6) What would you do if you saw a burglar? type II (improbable condition)7) We might have had a glass of hot chocolate if you had bought some milk. type III (impossible condition)8) If I were you I should keep the secret. type II (improbable condition)9) Ron would understand more if the spoke clearly. type II (improbable condition)10) If Doris had got up earlier, she wouldn't have been late for school. type III (impossible condition)

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