Examples of Modal Auxiliaries for Expectation

Modal Auxiliaries for Expectation Examples

1. Present/Future Expectation Examples:

When you expect something to take place but you are not 100% sure of that, you will use should/shouldn’t to represent the expectation.

Example:

• Your math test is at 11:00 am. You should get ready now. (Present)
• Can you please help him to do the work? It should take ten minutes only. (Future)
• Aric has an exam He shouldn’t go out now. (Present)
• Alice is starting from home so early. She shouldn’t be late. (Future)
• Richard has a concert on next Tuesday. He should start rehearsing now. (Present)
• Jack has an important exam this week. He should not leave the city now. (Present)
• Jen’s flight is at 3 pm. She should start from home now. (Present)
• You have to submit the project report tomorrow morning. You should complete it now. (Present)
• Can you show him the way to the Chairman’s room? It should take a few seconds only. (Future)
• Suzan has prepared herself so well for the exam. She shouldn’t get poor marks. (Future)

2. Past Expectation Examples:

While expecting anything was supposed to happen in the past, you have to use should have/ shouldn’t have and the past participle form of the verb.

Example:

• I sent the parcel a week ago. Allen should have received it by now.
• Tom is a talented designer. He shouldn’t have made this mistake.
• You have to present the topic tomorrow. You should have prepared yourself by now.
• Jeff is a sensible person. He shouldn’t have behaved like this.
• Aric has an exam tomorrow. He should have completed his studies by now.

You may also use should have/ shouldn’t have to represent things of the past as right/wrong good/bad/.

Example:

• Jack should have done it earlier because it really helped him to improve himself.
• Aric should not have done it because it was a wrong decision.
• You should not have bought the fish because it was rotten.
• Alex should have admitted his fault as it was good for him.
• Richard should not have gone to watch this movie because it was a waste of time and money.