should =if ?

Question

Hi, TeachersDoes the SHOULD in following sentence function like IF? If not what does this sentence exactly mean?One of our teachers will contact you should they be interested in having you in for an interview.Thank you!

Marius Hancu · Accepted Answer

yes
the inversion
should they (instead of "they should")
indicates an IF replacement, a conditional

Clive · Answer

Hi,

I'd like to add a small note on usage. This 'should' construction today seems formal, and also rather literary. Don't just use it instead of if in everyday English.

Best wishes, Clive

Sarahkuang · Answer

Thanks very much! I got it !

Anonymous · Answer

"Should" is used in conjunction with "if" to express a possible future state that is considered somewhat unlikely to occur. This is in contrast with "were to", which suggests a future state which is considered highly unlikely or impossible. For example:

If he should come today, I would greet him heartily.
-or-
Should he come today, I would greet him heartily.

Compare this to the "were to" version:

If he were to come today, I would be surprised.
-or-
Were he to come today, I would be surprised.

The difference between the two constructions is a matter of nuance, and I imagine that these sentences could be used interchangeably and not cause anyone confusion. All of these constructions are considered somewhat formal, particularly in American English. These must also be used in conjunction with "would" to indicate the level of unlikeliness.

For contrast, consider the plain versions, in order of decreasing likeliness:

If he comes today, I will great him heartily. (strongly possible)
If he came today, I would be surprised. (unlikely, requires "would")
If he had come today, I would have thanked him. (counter-factual, e.g. he did NOT come, requires "would have")

Hope that helps!

Wilder Patric · Answer

Hi, Guys. It has helped me a lot too. Thanks!!

should =if ?

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