Wind
This shouldn't be happening vs This can't be happening
This shouldn't be happening vs This can't be happening
Can both mean "I can't believe this. How could this be happening?"
If yes, is it right that "shouldn't" doesn't sound as strong as "can't"?
Thanks.
2015年1月20日 15:53
解答 · 3
2
These sentences are different in what they are suggesting.
'This can't be happening' means that you don't believe what is happening, whereas 'This shouldn't be happening' means that you think that what is happening is wrong, or not going according to plan.
2015年1月20日
1
Hi, Wind! I'll agree with you on this one. They have very similar meanings to me, but "shouldn't" is a bit weaker in my eyes than "can't". "This can't be happening" is used when you, beyond a shadow of a doubt, think that something have 0% chance of happening, but it still is. "This shouldn't be happening" means that you knew there was a chance of it not happening, but you also thought it could possibly happen. This is purely my opinion on how I view these two different sentences, and how I would use them. Hope this helped!
-Kyle
2015年1月20日
1
The second one, with "can't", indicates dismay.
The first one, with "shouldn't" means serious concern.
The first expresses a stronger emotion.
2015年1月20日
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