[Grammar] Is this sentence grammatically correct?

[hamid95reza]

I would greatly appreciate your advice on any particular topic that I could learn before my potential joining to your research group.

 

[Tarheel]

Perhaps:

...before I join your research group.

 

[hamid95reza]

Dear Tarheel,

Thanks for your answer.

I wanted to emphasize "potential" since my joining is not 100%. Could you recommend another sentence with the "potential" concept?

 

[tedmc]

I think "before I join" does not imply a certainty of joining.
Perhaps you could say "before I get selected to join...".
"My potential joining" is unusual.

 

[Tarheel]

Everything is potential before it happens. You are not sure you want to join the research group. There is something you need to know before you join the group. (As Ted said, the use of the word "before" does not mean it is certain you will join the group.)

 

[GoesStation]

I would greatly appreciate your advice on any particular topic that I could learn before my potential joining to your research group.

I wanted to emphasize "potential" since my joining is not 100%. Could you recommend another sentence with the "potential" concept?

The subjunctive mood conveys uncertainty. You could write I would greatly appreciate your advice on any topic I should study were I to join your research group.

Study is better than "learn" because it names the activity you propose to engage in rather than the goal.

 

[hamid95reza]

Hey GoesStation,

Thank you very much for your good answer.

"were I to" sounds somehow strange to me
Per my review, it is not used in modern English.

Is it better to say: I would greatly appreciate your advice on any topic I should study if I were to join your research group.

Does it convey my desired meaning or the one you suggested is better? Does it need a comma before if?

 

[GoesStation]

Your version is fine. No comma is needed.

The inverted version, "were I", is an older style but it's not uncommon in AmE. It means the same thing.