| Let's look at the sentence pattern. |
| Do you remember the focus sentence from the dialogue? |
| We are currently working on some updates to the system, so the situation should be improving soon. |
| This sentence follows the pattern here. |
| This pattern is the structure that all of our examples will follow. |
| [Subject] + should + be + [-ing verb phrase] |
| This sentence pattern — "[Subject] + should + be + [-ing verb phrase]" — is used to talk about expected results. It helps the speaker express what they believe is likely happening now or will happen soon, based on current conditions or past actions. |
| Let’s go part by part. |
| The subject is what the sentence is about — the person, thing, or situation that is expected to change. |
| "Should" is a modal verb. It shows a sense of expectation or probability — not a guarantee, but something the speaker thinks is likely or reasonable. |
| "Be" is used as part of the continuous verb structure. |
| The -ing verb phrase describes the action or change that is expected to be happening or starting soon. |
| Now let’s look at the example sentence: |
| "The situation should be improving soon." |
| Here, the subject is "The situation." |
| "Should" expresses the expectation that some kind of progress or positive change is likely. |
| "Be improving" is the -ing verb phrase, describing the action that is expected. |
| So the full sentence follows the pattern: |
| Subject ("The situation") + should + be + -ing verb phrase ("improving") |
| We use this structure when we want to say that we expect something to be happening now or in the near future, but we cannot say it for sure. |
| Now let's look at some speaking examples. |
| You should be hearing from us soon. |
| Can you see how the pattern applies here? |
| This fits the structure: "You" is the subject. "Should be" expresses an expected or likely result. "Hearing from us" is the -ing verb phrase showing the action that is expected. Together, the sentence follows the full pattern: Subject + should + be + -ing verb phrase. |
| Next… |
| My colleague should be setting up your account very soon. |
| Here, "My colleague" is the subject. "Should be" expresses what is likely or expected. "Setting up your account" is the -ing verb phrase that describes the expected ongoing or near-future action. This fits the pattern completely. |
| Let’s try one more, |
| You should be getting a phone call from my assistant to set up the meeting. |
| The subject is "You." "Should be" shows that this is something the speaker expects to happen. "Getting a phone call from my assistant…" is the -ing verb phrase. All parts match the pattern: subject + should + be + -ing verb phrase. |
| Another one. |
| My boss should be emailing you shortly. |
| "My boss" is the subject. "Should be" shows that this is something anticipated. "Emailing you" is the -ing verb phrase that describes what is expected to happen. The sentence follows the pattern completely. |
Comments
Hide