grammar · formal
If + subject + happen(ed) + to + V, clause
Used to talk about something happening by chance or to introduce a hypothetical unlikely event.
Examples
“If you happen to meet the director, please give him my regards.”
“If she happens to be in town tomorrow, we could invite her.”
“If you happen to find any errors, let me know immediately.”
Band 8 sentence
“If you happen to come across any primary sources, please forward them to the research team.”
Collocations
- happen to + infinitive
- If you happen to + V, ...
Common mistakes
If you happen meet him, tell him to call me.→If you happen to meet him, tell him to call me.
If you happen to met him, say hello.→If you happen to meet him, say hello.
Say it for a higher band
5If + clause (neutral)→6If you meet + someone, clause→7+If + subject + happen(ed) + to + V, clause
Synonyms
If you by any chance + V
Easily confused
If + clause (simple condition)
“If you meet him tomorrow, tell him I called.”
By any chance
“By any chance, do you have a pen I can borrow?”
Related words
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In Conditionals
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