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should be working vs should work

Both phrases are correct, but they're used in slightly different contexts. "Should be working" is used when emphasizing the ongoing nature of an action, while "should work" is used to express a general expectation or requirement.
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Explained by Miss E.
Editor at TextRanch

Last updated: October 26, 2024 • 12253 views

should be working

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to emphasize the ongoing nature of an action.

Use "should be working" when you want to emphasize that an action is currently in progress or ongoing. It implies that the action is expected to continue.

Examples:

  • The machine should be working by now.
  • He should be working on the project at this moment.
  • Jan 20, 2016 ... Five Signs You Should Be Working For Yourself. Liz Ryan ,. Contributor. I write about bringing life to work and bringing work to life. Follow on ...
  • 10 Startups You Should Be Working At In 2016. Miten Sampat. January 19, 2016. facebook twitter mail twitter gplus. Indiatimes virality graph. The graph shows ...
  • Five Signs You Should Be Working For Yourself. By Liz Ryan, Forbes | January 20, 2016. Five Signs You Should Be Working For Yourself. For years my ...
  • I Know We Should Be Working but…Should I Buy This? Man- Repeller_ShoppingGuide_1. The Writers | December 14, 2015. Leandra and Amelia are back at it ...

Alternatives:

  • should have been working
  • should have worked
  • should have been in operation
  • should have been functioning
  • should have been running

should work

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to express a general expectation or requirement.

Use "should work" when stating a general expectation or requirement. It implies that something is expected to function correctly or as intended.

Examples:

  • The new software should work on all devices.
  • The key should work in the lock.
  • Jan 1, 2016 ... Why Everybody Should Work in Hollywood. It may have a reputation as a land of endless sunshine and beautiful people, but it's a grueling, ...
  • Top images · Random. Submit. About us. Newer. Older. Random Post random. This should work... 3234 AWESOME 121 WHAT THE WHAT? 75 BORING.
  • 6 hours ago ... Use the RPE Scale to Rate How Hard You Should Work Out. Many of us probably don't work as hard as we could, but it's not always easy to tell ...
  • THAT SHOULD WORK. A PHRASE USAULLY USED WHEN DEALING WITH THE PUBLIC IN THE WORK PLACE OR WITH FRIENDS.IT IS LIKELY USED ...

Alternatives:

  • should function
  • should operate
  • should be effective
  • should be operational
  • should be functional

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