Will/Should+Continuous

Question

Hi,My question is about continuous tense. For example future continuous (will be doing) and modal involved continuous (should be doing). What are the differences between "will do" and "will be doing" and also "should do" and "should be doing"? Is it about grammar or just meaning? I don't know which one I need to use. That's why nobody can hear me say or write "be doing".And this title is the reason why I thought I had to learn how to use it. Showing a picture it says: "Milk does this to yur body! Should you be drinking it?". I'd simply say "Should you drink it?". How do these two sentences sound differently to a native ear? Hope I could state my concerns clearly. Thanks in advance.

Johner · Accepted Answer

Any ideas?

CalifJim · Answer

johnerWhat are the differences between "will do" and "will be doing" and also "should do" and "should be doing"? Is it about grammar or just meaning?

It's almost always about meaning, not grammar.

johner Showing a picture it says: "Milk does this to yur body! Should you be drinking it?". I'd simply say "Should you drink it?". How do these two sentences sound differently to a native ear?

In that context you can almost take "Should you drink it?" to imply that you have not drunk it before, and the question is asking if it is a good idea (or not) for you to drink it now for the first time.

In contrast, "Should you be drinking it?" implies that you have been drinking it regularly. It is common practice for you to drink it, and the question is asking if it is a good idea (or not) for you to continue to drink it regularly.

To make matters more confusing, it is possible for "Should you drink it?" to have the same meaning as given above for "Should you be drinking it?" but you can be more sure that you will make yourself understood if you use the version with "drinking".

CJ

Johner · Answer

Thanks Jim. At least I have an idea now.

Will/Should+Continuous

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