Should=if

Question

Hi,I have a quick question - is the should=if construction correct in this sentence:"I have still 2 years to complete my studies, my situation can change completely, so I don't feel confident enough to say should I'll be able to relocate permanently.".What are the main principles of using "should" instead of "if" in formal language?

AlpheccaStars · Accepted Answer

Anonymous- is the should=if construction correct in this sentence:

No. You cannot use more than one modal auxiliary in a verb phrase. "Should" and "will" are modal verbs.
Should will be able

Here is an example where the words can be interchanged. But "should" is rarely used in place of "if" in American English.

Should my situation change, I'll let you know right away.
If my situation changes, I'll let you know right away.

Anonymous · Answer

AlpheccaStarsYou cannot use more than one modal auxiliary in a verb phrase. "Should" and "will" are modal verbs.

So, I understand, that the only problem in my example are two modal verbs in 1 verb phrase, am I right?

Following the same principle, I've corrected the incorrect part of the sentence:

"I don't feel confident enough to say should I be able to relocate permanently."

Is it proper now?

I know it's not very common to use "should" instead of "if", but wanted to know if and when it's possible.

AlpheccaStars · Answer

AnonymousIs it proper now?

No. The subject-verb inversion is used in questions. It is not good in clauses or even indirect questions.

""If" does not work in your sentence either, because "be" is not a finite verb.

X I don't feel confident enough to say if I be able to relocate permanently.

You need a modal, but you can't have two of them. "If" works in this sentence, but it cannot be replaced with "should."

I don't feel confident enough to say if I would be able to relocate permanently.

Should=if

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