English Should

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khanhha Wednesday 28th of December 2005 11:14:57 AM
should - Please help me explain the meaning of "should" in the following sentence. Thanks a lot.

" Should the government fall, the stock market will crash."

Daan Wednesday 28th of December 2005 03:24:46 PM
- This is similar to the had-structure we discussed in the last topic, but then for events that might or might not take place in the future.

One could also write:
If the government should fall, the stock market will crash.
(but it is not sure whether the stock market will actually fall)

That construction, however, sounds less English than the sentence you quoted (and they have the same meaning).

Should he call me tomorrow, I will tell him that he cannot come. (but you are not sure whether he will call tomorrow).

Should you still have questions, please ask them! (but I do not know whether you still have them ;))

khanhha Wednesday 28th of December 2005 03:42:36 PM
- Thanks Daan very much.
Your explanation helps me understand clearly this structure.
Thanks.

Phrasebase Archive
	khanhha	Wednesday 28th of December 2005 11:14:57 AM
	should - Please help me explain the meaning of "should" in the following sentence. Thanks a lot. " Should the government fall, the stock market will crash."
	Daan	Wednesday 28th of December 2005 03:24:46 PM
	- This is similar to the had-structure we discussed in the last topic, but then for events that might or might not take place in the future. One could also write: If the government should fall, the stock market will crash. (but it is not sure whether the stock market will actually fall) That construction, however, sounds less English than the sentence you quoted (and they have the same meaning). Should he call me tomorrow, I will tell him that he cannot come. (but you are not sure whether he will call tomorrow). Should you still have questions, please ask them! (but I do not know whether you still have them ;))
	khanhha	Wednesday 28th of December 2005 03:42:36 PM
	- Thanks Daan very much. Your explanation helps me understand clearly this structure. Thanks.