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Thread: SHOULD in "The site should be available again shortly."

  1. #1
    optimistic pessimist is offline Member
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    Default SHOULD in "The site should be available again shortly."

    Dear all,
    I'd like to ask about the use of should.

    Under Maintenance
    The site is currently unavailable due to routine system maintenance.
    We are sorry for any inconveniences this may have caused. The site should be available again shortly.


    If it's "The site will be available again shortly", which sounds more familiar to me, is the meaning different?
    Thank you!
    OP

  2. #2
    SoothingDave is offline Key Member
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    Default Re: SHOULD in "The site should be available again shortly."

    "Will" is a more positive, guarantee type of statement. "Should" allows for some doubt about the outcome. If you are trying to reassure people, say "will." If you want to tell your boss the problem is going to be fixed, but you don't want to make a firm promise, then say "should."

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