"should work" vs "should be working"

Question

"should work" vs "should be working"

Both "should be working" and "should work" are correct, but they are 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.

Last Updated: March 20, 2024

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.

Alternatives:

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

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.

Alternatives:

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

Answer 1

should work

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

Answer 2

should be working

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

"should work" vs "should be working"

should work

should be working

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