Structure: If + should

[Tedwonny]

Hi guys,

I come across this sentence in an article:"I would faint in shock if the cashier should flash me a smile". I am not so sure of the use of 'should' here. It doesn't really mean obligations/decisions-making as in I should do this...

I've seen this kind of structure several times and I'd really like to know what the modal verb 'should' is doing there.

thx

 

[5jj]

In BrE, we sometimes use 'should' with no real difference in meaning. In the following sequence, the possibility of the smile is (perhaps) slightly less likely as we proceed through the series:

... if the cashier flashes me a smile.
... if the cashier should flash me a smile.
... if the cashier should happen to flash me a smile.

 

[Raymott]

I'd like to add:
"... if the cashier flashed me a smile."

Again, I think that "flashed" (past tense form for a hypothetical action) is subjunctive, and "should flash" is an equivalent.
"I'd be surprised if he came." = "I'd be surprised if he should come."

 

[Tedwonny]

Thanks a lot!

But, why isn't 'would' more natural? Doesn't should sound a bit either archaic or unduly formal?

Thanks again

 

[5jj]

If the cashier would (only) smile at me, it would make my day.

'Would' is not more or less natural; it conveys a different meaning.

'Should' is moderately formal, but it is not archaic.