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Hi, all It�s me again with another problem for you.
Is there a possibility (even the least) to use the modal verb "should" in a conditional sentence? If yes, how and what could such sentence mean? Can you give some examples? If no, why?
It would be great if you can give some references.
Hello, Goodness I like these challenges and it seems to me that you are "addicted " If you know the answer, you shouldn�t ask. Now, this is not an answer, but, for sure, some more logs to light the fire. Keep on sending them, I find them quite .... ?????..... I don�t know what to call them but you certainly have a special feeling, for special grammar situations. Tell me, My blue sentence, is it correct? I am waiting for your opinion. It�s late, see you tomorrow Hugs Portugal
For your blue sentence I am very tempted to say it is correct but I am afraid my friend who is my teacher and a member of this forum will give me a good thrashing. So, I prefer not saying anything and wait for more feedback.
Hi! Bob.
According to Thompson and Martinet we can use the modal auxiliary "SHOULD"
is the following:
I quote:
a.
"if + present + must, should or any
expression of command, request or advice
If you want to
lose weight you must/should eat less bread.
If you want to lose weight you had
better eat less bread.
If you want to lose weight eat less bread. If you see
Tom tomorrow
could you ask him to ring me? "
b.
"if + should can be used in
type 1 to indicate that the action, though possible, is not very likely. It is
usually combined with an imperative and is chiefly used in written
instructions:
If you should have
any difficulty in getting spare parts ring this number.
If these biscuits
should arrive in a damaged condition please inform the factory at once."
N.B. Should is used in the If clause itself, not in the main clause.
Now that my teacher spoke I can (i suppose) tell you Olindalima ( F ) that your blue sentence should now become green because it is correct.
Oooof H.A. now I can relax since in a way or another "should" can be used in conditional sentence I don�t have to retract in front of my PP.
I recognize I told them that "should" can be used in conditional type 2 (and 3) just by intuition (maybe I heard this one day "20 years ago" when at uni.) and somehow in a hurry. Thank God no one of them asked for an example because sincerely I wouldn�t have been able to do so as explained in the reference you gave H.A. I would have never thought of that. That is to say intuition and improvisation are not good in teaching and should be avoided as far as possible.
However I am sure there may be more to say about it. So still waiting for feedback with other ideas and other references.
Yes brahmam According to the reference given by Ayzman2 (I agree that Thompson and Martinet aren�t the least reference) your sentence is also correct. In this example "should is in the condition (if) clause. And the sentence is type 1.
I agree with you Brahmam let�s have as much feedback as possible.
Thank you Brahman for your answer. You are absolutely right and I also agree with martha73 but I would say your sentence this way: If you should have any problem don�t bother to ask me. and the inversion would be: Should you have any problem don�t bother to ask me. The use of should in the If clause itself is followed by an imperative. (This is usually used in formal written instructions.)
