I was just wondering what kind of structure is the following:
“Should you have any question, do not hesitate to contact us by email”
Apparently, it means “in case you have any questions,” but I’d appreciate it if someone explains.
Thanks in advance.
2007-08-07 07:50:06 · 5 answers · asked by Cyber T 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Languages
It is a rare instance of the subjunctive in English. It is a shortened form of "If you should have".... or "in case you should have." The subjunctive has almost been phased out of English, but it has left a few vestiges, as in this sentence.
http://www.tiscali.co.uk/reference/dictionaries/english/data/d0082859.html
http://www.engl.virginia.edu/OE/courses/handouts/Subjunctive.html
2007-08-07 07:56:47 · answer #1 · answered by Doethineb 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Yes, that's exactly what it means. What's your question exactly?
It is a standard business structure that is used all over the place for business correspondence.
I think it's a slight hold over from older, more formal, conversational style, but I could be wrong about that.
2007-08-07 14:57:08 · answer #2 · answered by J P 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
That pattern is used only in business correspondence,
in normal conversations and letters that would be written like this:
In case of any questions, do not hesitate to e-mail us..
or
If you have any questions, just e-mai us (send us an e mail)
2007-08-07 22:57:48 · answer #3 · answered by russiancatsima 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
"Apparently, it means 'in case you have any questions,' but I’d appreciate it if someone explains."
That is correct. What else do you want to know?
2007-08-07 14:55:26 · answer #4 · answered by Marco R 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's one of the few instances of a subjunctive in English, where 'should' is the subj. of 'shall' - if you (should) have a question . . .
2007-08-07 15:05:18 · answer #5 · answered by JJ 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋