should have generated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "should have generated" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate an expectation or assumption that something was supposed to have been created or produced in the past. Example: "The new software update should have generated a report by now, but it seems there was an error."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

BT should have generated Vodafone".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

By past standards, that should have generated job growth.

The New York Times

Based on shot quality, the Capitals should have generated 3.2 goals per 60 minutes.

The Washington Post

The soaring prices should have generated $3 billion above budget estimates for the state oil monopoly, Pemex.

The New York Times

The consequent debates about whether the theory of evolution was more than a tautology should have generated serious philosophical embarrassment.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The premise of this test of replicability, of course, is that each of the labs should have generated the same pattern of results.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

Additionally, each of the 15 chapters can be read in no particular order so the book loses any thematic or emotional momentum that the narrative could -- and should -- have generated.

The Guardian

Nevertheless, the difference of 132 people is small and should not have generated skewness on the results beyond the one that had already affected this part of the sample and have already been mentioned in the methodology section.

BMC Endocrine Disorders

Such a context should at least have generated a degree of excitement, a fizz of ideas about what might happen in government.

Independent

The question of why Ball was so much more effective as "a 16-inch TV image" should, I think, have generated at least a bit of reflection on the peculiar nature of early television comedy, an amazing number of whose stars were performers who, like Ball, worked in an extremely broad style: Skelton, Jackie Gleason, Sid Caesar and (most egregiously) Milton Berle.

The New York Times - Books

A project of the utmost importance for the future of the Upper West Side, of New York City and, indeed, of the arts in America; a project with the potential to take a great place and make it a great good place, a welcoming place, a place without peer in all the cities of the world -- such a project should by now have generated tremendous public excitement.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "should have generated", ensure that the context clearly establishes the basis for the expectation. Provide the reason why something was expected to be created or produced.

Common error

Avoid using "should have generated" when expressing a mere possibility without a reasonable basis for expecting the creation or production. "Might have generated" is more appropriate for speculative scenarios.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "should have generated" functions as a modal verb phrase expressing an expectation or obligation related to a past action. It suggests that a particular outcome was anticipated or required, but did not occur. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is usable and grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "should have generated" is a versatile and grammatically correct modal verb phrase used to express an expectation or obligation regarding a past action or outcome. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. It commonly appears in news, science, and formal business contexts, indicating a missed opportunity or unmet goal. When using this phrase, clarity is paramount: be sure to provide context establishing the basis for the expectation. Alternatives like "ought to have produced" or "was expected to create" can be used to achieve similar effects. Overall, the phrase is a valuable tool for expressing regret or disappointment, but should be used judiciously to avoid misinterpretations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ought to have produced

Replaces "should" with "ought to", indicating a moral obligation or expectation.

was expected to create

Focuses on the expectation of creation rather than a missed opportunity.

was supposed to yield

Emphasizes the expected result or output.

was designed to produce

Highlights the intended design or purpose to create something.

could have resulted in

Shifts focus to the potential outcome that was not realized.

would have created

Indicates a hypothetical creation based on past conditions.

ideally, would have spawned

Suggests an optimal or desired outcome that involved creation or development.

should have yielded by now

Adds a sense of urgency or timeliness to the expectation.

was anticipated to bring about

Emphasizes the anticipation or expectation of something being brought into existence.

was projected to develop

Focuses on a forecasted or predicted development that did not occur.

FAQs

How can I use "should have generated" in a sentence?

Use "should have generated" to express that something was expected to produce or create something in the past, but it did not. For example, "The marketing campaign should have generated more leads, but the results were disappointing."

What can I say instead of "should have generated"?

You can use alternatives like "ought to have produced", "was expected to create", or "was supposed to yield depending on the context.

Which is correct, "should have generated" or "should generate"?

"Should have generated" refers to a past expectation that was not fulfilled, while "should generate" refers to a future expectation. The correct choice depends on the intended tense and meaning.

What's the difference between "should have generated" and "could have generated"?

"Should have generated" implies an expectation based on certain conditions, while "could have generated" indicates a possibility. "The investment should have generated a profit" suggests that it was reasonable to expect a profit, whereas "The investment could have generated a profit" implies a potential outcome.