Metkagram
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B2–C1 · GFC · GFC009

If + subject + should happen to + infinitive, main clause

Explanation

A reusable frame from “Conditions and counterfactuals”. Compare how English and German express conditions and counterfactuals. Practise reusable constructions with Russian translations.

Structure

EN · EnglishIf + subject + should happen to + infinitive, main clause
DE · GermanFalls + subject + zufällig + verb, main clause

Anchor phrase

RU · Translation

Если случайно увидишь её, передай ей эту записку.

EN · English

If you should happen to see her, give her this note.

DE · German

Falls du sie zufällig siehst, gib ihr diesen Zettel.

Try variations2 · more examples

  1. RU · Translation

    Если случайно найдёшь мои очки, оставь их на столе.

    EN · English

    If you should happen to find my glasses, leave them on the desk.

    DE · German

    Falls du zufällig meine Brille findest, leg sie auf den Schreibtisch.

  2. RU · Translation

    Если она вдруг спросит, скажи, что я звонил.

    EN · English

    If she should happen to ask, tell her I called.

    DE · German

    Falls sie zufällig fragt, sag ihr, dass ich angerufen habe.

Pattern graph

Continue with nearby patterns

GFC005Should + subject + bare infinitive, main clauseGFCGFC006Were + subject + to + infinitive, subject + would + infinitiveGFCGFC015If + subject + would + infinitive, subject + could + infinitiveGFCGFC004If + subject + past-form state, subject + would have + past participleGFC