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Old 31-May-2008, 16:12
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Default using 'should' instead of 'if'

Hi there,
I want to ask you when we use the form 'should' instead of 'if' in sentence like this:
a) "Should you send me a mail and get nothing back in 24 hours, make sure to use other means of communication to confirm that I received your message."
or
b) "Shops are open, should you be in need of something to drink."
Is it common or formal form? When can I use it? And why in the second sentence somebody hasn't written "should you are in need (...)", like he could in "if you are in need (...)"?

And additionally – which form is better:
1) I have got a question about...
2) I have a question about...
3) I got a question about...

Thanks in advance.
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Old 31-May-2008, 16:21
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Default Re: using 'should' instead of 'if'

Both sentences are fine, and the use of should is formal. It means, in the case that (you) + base verb. That is, the construct is should + base verb; e.g., be.

1) I have got a question about...
2) I have a question about...
3) I got a question about...
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Old 31-May-2008, 22:11
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Default Re: using 'should' instead of 'if'

Quote:
Originally Posted by Soup View Post
Both sentences are fine, and the use of should is formal. It means, in the case that (you) + base verb. That is, the construct is should + base verb; e.g., be.

1) I have got a question about...
2) I have a question about...
3) I got a question about...
But, in Br English at least, 3 would be interpreted as a simple past: "After the lecture, I got a question about the size of my sample."

b
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