The sentence “If he should call, tell him I’m busy” often leaves IELTS students scratching their heads. It sounds formal, almost old-fashioned, and quite different from the typical “if” sentences we use every day. In this article, we’ll dissect this structure, explore its nuances, and demonstrate how mastering it can boost your IELTS score.
Let’s look at a few examples of how this structure might appear in different sections of the IELTS exam:
Speaking:
- Examiner: “Do you think it’s important to answer the phone every time someone calls?”
- You: “Not necessarily. If my grandmother should call, I’d definitely answer, but if it’s just a telemarketer, I’ll let it go to voicemail.“
Writing Task 1 (describing a process):
“Should the temperature exceed 80 degrees Celsius, the emergency alarm will be triggered, notifying the control room to take immediate action.”
Writing Task 2 (opinion essay):
“Some argue that technology isolates individuals. However, should we use technology responsibly, it can actually enhance our connections by helping us stay in touch with loved ones across the globe.”
In each of these cases, the “should” clause adds a layer of formality and a touch of uncertainty about the condition being met. Let’s delve deeper into why and how this structure works.
Understanding “If + Should” Clauses
This particular structure falls under the umbrella of conditional clauses, specifically first conditional sentences, albeit a more formal and less common variation. It suggests that the speaker considers the event (him calling) possible but perhaps unlikely.
Meaning and Usage
Here’s a breakdown:
- “If he should call”: This implies a degree of uncertainty about whether he will call. It suggests that the possibility of him calling is real, but not necessarily very high.
- “Tell him I’m busy”: This is the main clause, stating the action to be taken if the condition is met.
Formality and Frequency
This structure is more formal than the typical “If he calls.” While perfectly grammatically correct, it appears more frequently in written English than in everyday speech. However, using it judiciously in your IELTS speaking or writing can demonstrate a strong command of grammatical range and accuracy.
The Formula and Its Application
Here’s the basic formula for this type of conditional sentence:
If + subject + should + base form of verb, + main clause
Let’s see how this structure can be used effectively in different sections of the IELTS exam:
Speaking (Achieving a Band 7 or Higher)
To impress the examiner with your range of grammatical structures, try incorporating this “if + should” clause naturally into your responses:
- Examiner: What do you think about online shopping?
- You: “It’s incredibly convenient. If I should need a new book, for example, I can simply order it online without leaving the house.“
By using “If I should need…” you are subtly conveying that you don’t necessarily need a book right now, but if the need were to arise, you’d opt for online shopping.
Writing Task 1 (Describing a Process)
This structure is particularly useful when describing a process where a specific action is contingent upon a certain condition:
“Should the pressure within the system drop below 50%, the emergency valve will automatically engage, preventing any potential damage to the machinery.”
In this context, the “should” clause clearly and concisely outlines the condition (pressure drop) that triggers a specific outcome (valve engagement).
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
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Incorrect Tense Agreement: Remember, we use the base form of the verb after “should” in this type of conditional sentence.
- Incorrect: If he should calls, tell him I’m busy.
- Correct: If he should call, tell him I’m busy.
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Overusing the Structure: While useful, don’t force this structure into your writing or speaking where a simpler “if” clause would suffice. Overuse can make your language sound stilted.
- Overused: If the weather should improve, we will go to the park. (A simple “if” clause is more natural here.)
Conclusion
Mastering the “if + should” clause adds a sophisticated tool to your grammatical toolbox. By understanding its nuance and applying it appropriately, you can demonstrate a higher level of language proficiency in your IELTS exam, potentially earning those coveted band 7 or 8 scores. Keep practicing this and other advanced grammatical structures to enhance your overall language fluency and accuracy.