grammar · formal
Should + subject + have + past participle, clause
A formal inversion used to indicate that if something had happened (or were to have happened), then a particular consequence would follow; often used in formal writing/speech.
Examples
“Should you have any queries, please contact the admissions office.”
“Should they have overlooked the protocol, the institution would reconsider the award.”
“Should the committee have decided differently, the policy would not be in place today.”
Band 8 sentence
“Should the investigators have missed key evidence, the appeals panel would re-open the case.”
Collocations
- Should + subject + have + past participle
- please + V
Common mistakes
Should you have informed us, we would have prepared.→Should you have informed us, we would have been prepared.
Should you have any question, please contact me.→Should you have any questions, please contact me.
Say it for a higher band
5If + subject should + V, clause→6If + past perfect, would have + past participle→7+Should + subject + have + past participle, clause
Synonyms
If + subject should + have + past participle, clause
Easily confused
If + subject had + past participle, clause
“If the board had acted earlier, the crisis might have been contained.”
Should + subject + V, clause
“Should you need assistance, call this number.”
Related words
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In Conditionals
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