Should the situation ever come up

Question

Good Afternoon

I have a question for my English native speaker friends . Is the following phrase correct?:

"I want to be prepared, should the situation ever come up"

My understanding is that this is another way of saying: I want to be prepared if this ever happens.

Is my interpretation correct? Is it just another way of saying the same thing or should I use one for formal situations, i.e. work emails, and the other one for more informal conversations?

Thanks!!

They are both ok in both situations although the last one is said in a less formal tone. - katydew, Aug 13, 2012

Answer 1

The saying "I want to be prepared, should the situation ever come up" is more formal, while "I want to be prepared if this ever happens" is for more informal conversations. But both of them mean the same thing.

Well, the "formality" of it really depends on who you are. I would say something like, "should the situation ever come up/arise" in an everyday conversation. Same with phrases such as, "lack thereof" and "nevertheless" - I use those in my everyday speech. - Azabache, Aug 14, 2012

Answer 2

I don't think that saying either is a matter of "formality."

"I want to be prepared, should the situation ever come up" - Yes, that may sound more formal, but I don't think that's the case. This sounds like something I would say in a normal conversation.

I want to be prepared if this ever happens. - Again, I don't believe there's anything informal about this phrase. I actually think this phrase, worded in this way, could be heard in a very formal business situation: Perhaps a business executive is talking to his employees in a meeting and he says, "We want/need to be prepared if this ever happens."

Honestly, in my opinion, it just depends on who you are. Some people may identify the first phrase as something they would say in everyday talk, whereas others may identify the second phrase as something more normal for them.

That's just my two cents, anyway.

Answer 3

In addition...

Personally, I wouldn't say the former is "strictly formal" or the latter "rather informal", but I've noticed that well educated (and well-spoken) people tend to use the first one much more frequently than other people (in everyday situations, that is). I've also noticed people use it when giving instructions (which may or may not be formal); for example "Don't be afraid to ask, should you need anything." But I guess normally it's perceived as bearing a formal tone, as in "Should the need arise, we shall call you."

Hope this helps.

Answer 4

It looks good to me.

Answer 5

Thanks a lot everyone!