Conditional sentences with inversion are more formal than

those that follow the usual word order.

1) In real conditionals inversion is found with the modal

verb should, but it is only used in formal language.

Look at the following examples:

If you need more information, call our office in Green Street.

If you should require any further information, please contact

us at our office in Green Street. (formal)

Should you require any further information, please contact

us at our office in Green Street. (more formal than the
previous example)

2) In unreal conditionals it is common to find inversions in

formal language.

Were the negotiations to fall through, it would bring about

unforeseen problems. (If the negotiations were to fall
through,...)

Had I known about Mr Smith's behaviour sooner , I would

have fired him immediately. (If I had known about Mr
Smith's behaviour sooner,...)

In negative clauses with inversion, we don't use contracted

forms:

Had the people not been informed, the situation would have

been much worse.

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1. (the books/be)   cheaper, I would have

bought them all.

2. (the Prime Minister/fail)   to get the

necessary support, he would be forced to call a snap election.

3. (the evidence/not be destroyed)  , the

accused would have been found guilty.

4. (you/need)   any further assistance, do not

hesitate to contact us.

5. (the ship/ not capsize)  , there would have

been more survivors.

6. (I/win)   the prize, I wouldn't spend it on

things I don't need.

7. (the storm/be)   at night, the rescue team

wouldn't have found the lost boy scouts.

8. (he/decide)   to come, please let me know

as soon as possible.

9. (I/ be offered)   the job, I would have to

think about it.

10. (you/have)   any further questions,

please ask to see the manager.