if + should = remote possibility, not 'ought to' (GiU Unit 34)

The frame

There’s a small possibility that the meeting will be cancelled. If this should happen, we will arrange a meeting next month. ✓

this refers back to the cancellation. The other options (anyone/rain/problems) have no antecedent.

should here ≠ ought to

if + should = the condition is remote, tentative, formal — “possibly, but probably not”:

If this should happen = in the unlikely event it happens
If you should see her = if you happen to see her
If anyone should ask = if anyone happens to ask

Inversion (very formal)

Drop if, front Should: Should you need help, call me. = If you should need help.

Meaning chain

should = possibility marked as remote:

You should go → remote-ness becomes advice (“it would be right to”)
If this should happen → pure hypothetical possibility (“in the event that, by chance”)

it’s + adjective + that + should (reaction frame)

It’s funny that you should say that. I was thinking the same thing. ✓

Same should — possibility marked as remarkable. Here the evaluative frame it’s strange/funny/typical/odd/natural + that + should comments on the fact:

It’s strange that he should behave like that.
It’s typical that she should be late.
It’s funny that you should say that (simultaneous thought = the coincidence)
It’s natural that he should be upset.

Meaning: “and here it is, remarkably” — not advice (✗ “you should say that” = recommendation). English often drops the nuance (“it’s funny you say that”), but the exam wants should.

Plan-B framing (mnemonic)

if + should = contingency — “if the unlikely branch happens, here’s the fallback”:

If this should happen → we’ll arrange another meeting next month The should flags the iffy branch; the main clause supplies plan B. Not “when”, not “probably” — the just-in-case branch that may never run.

JP mirror

万一〜したら / もし〜することがあれば = if + should (tentative). Plain 〜たら = plain if.

Source

Raymond Murphy, English Grammar in Use, Unit 34 — should 2. Ebot lesson 2026-09-05.