Should "be or have been" getting off

Question

A. The train didn't stop so I missed my station. I should be getting off at X station. Now, I have to take another train back.

B. The train didn't stop so I missed my station. I should have been getting off at X station. Now, I have to take another train back.

1. Which of the above sentences is correct for the given context?

2. What is the difference in meaning between the verbs in bold?

3. Can I also use the present perfect tense "have missed" instead of simple past "missed" for the above context? Is there any difference? Which is more natural?

I would very much appreciate your advice, please.

Cool Breeze · Accepted Answer

Both A and B are wrong. Say: I should have got off at King's Cross. The simple past is the only good tense to use.

CB

Anonymous · Answer

Thank you, CB.

Does "should have got off" mean that I was supposed to get off at King's Cross but I couldn't because the train didn't stop and just pass by there? This is the meaning I actually wanted to express in my original context.

Are "should be getting off" and "should have been getting off" always incorrect? Are there instances when they are correct to use? If so, what is the difference between them?

Cool Breeze · Answer

Does "should have got off" mean that I was supposed to get off at King's Cross but I couldn't because the train didn't stop and just pass by there? This is the meaning I actually wanted to express in my original context.

Yes. Either that or perhaps you fell asleep and missed your station because of that.

Are "should be getting off" and "should have been getting off" always incorrect? Are there instances when they are correct to use? If so, what is the difference between them?

The grammar of both structures is correct. Because of the ing ending, they typically refer to action that takes longer than getting off a train does.

Here I am lying on the sofa when I should be doing something useful, like reading a book.

I should have been painting the house when he arrived, but I was just lazily fishing.

The difference between be and have been (the present and the perfect infinitive) is that the present infinitive (be) usually refers to the present moment or the future while the perfect infinitive (have been) usually refers to the past.

I should be doing - now

I should have been painting - yesterday, last week etc.

CB

Anonymous · Answer

Thank you, CB, for your explanation. Your examples help me understand the topic more. Just some questions below:

Cool BreezeThe grammar of both structures is correct. Because of the ing ending, they typically refer to action that takes longer than getting off a train does.

1. Can I also use the ing form to express a settled plan instead of a longer action?

2. If so, don't you think I could use them in my original examples?

3. If so, I wonder if I can use b below because in my original context, I still should get off at my station after taking another train back or can I use c because I already missed my station on that particular journey?

a. I am getting off at King's Cross.

b. I should be getting off at King's Cross.

c. I should have been getting off at King's Cross.

Cool Breeze · Answer

The present continuous is often used instead of the future tense to express intention. I have already given you my opinion about your original sentences. What is odd or incorrect to some may be correct to others, of course. I don't think you'll very often hear people say I should have been getting off at King's Crosson the London underground after they realise they have missed their station.

If you don't believe me, take a ride on the Piccadilly Line and find out for yourself!

CB

Should "be or have been" getting off

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