Where is the verb?

Forums: English, Esl, Grammar
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Where is the verb that goes with "should"?

Context:

Gates Says U.S. Lacks Policy to Curb Iran’s Nuclear Drive
By DAVID E. SANGER and THOM SHANKER
A secret memo set off a search for new options that include military alternatives to be considered should the diplomacy and sanctions planned for this year fail.

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Type: Question • Score: 0 • Views: 578 • Replies: 4

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Here, should is not used as a helping verb but as a conjunction, meaning "if."

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@plainoldme,

Thanks.

But it did go with verb "fail". I reread the sentence and found it out just now.

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@oristarA,

Substitute "if" for "should" and you will see that the sentence remains the same in terms of content.

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@oristarA,

POM is right about the 'should' being the same as an 'if'.

Here's another alternative.

A secret memo set off a search for new options that include military alternatives to be considered in case the diplomacy and sanctions planned for this year should fail.

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Where is the verb?

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