G2R - the first conditional part 2

On our last Grammar2Remember, we reviewed the first conditional. To see that lesson, you can check out our April 1 blog.


Now for the advanced form:
Like the second conditional, the first conditional also has an advanced form. To learn how to use this structure, let's take a look at these first conditional sentences with the word should:


If it should rain tomorrow, I won't go out.
If they should arrive late, we won't let them in.
If his secretary should resign, he'll be in deep trouble.


The sentences above mean the same thing if they didn't have the word should. In other words, they have the same meaning as the following regular first conditional sentences:


If it rains tomorrow, I won't go out.
If they arrive late, we won't let them in.
If his secretary resigns, he'll be in deep trouble.


With the word should in our first conditional sentences, it's easy to form the advanced structure. We simply get rid of the word if and place the word should at the beginning of the "if clause".


like this:
Should it rain tomorrow, I won't go out.
Should they arrive late, we won't let them in.
Should his secretary resign, he'll be in deep trouble.


That's it. Not too difficult, is it? Interestingly enough, this structure is not so common in the negative; it's better to say the sentence in the affirmative using a word with the opposite meaning. For example, instead of saying "Should they not arrive late, ..." it's better to say, "Should they arrive early, ..."


Now it's time for you to practice. Finish these sentences:
Should it rain next weekend, I will ...
Should the weather be nice tomorrow. I will ... 


Good luck!