Verb/Adj plain form + はずだ

[Should Be / Expected to Be]

Connection: Verb/Adj plain form + はずだ

Expresses logical expectation or assumption based on evidence, reasoning, or prior knowledge. Something "should be" true or is "expected to" happen based on what you know.

Formation:

• Verb plain form + はずだ: 届くはずだ、知っているはずだ
• い-adjective + はずだ: 高いはずだ、おいしかったはずだ
• な-adjective + な + はずだ: 便利なはずだ、簡単だったはずだ
• Noun + の + はずだ: 休みのはずだ、学生のはずだ

Usage Notes:

• Based on logical reasoning, facts, or information you have
• Expresses confident expectation (not mere hope or desire)
• Different from べき (moral obligation) and だろう (speculation)

Negative Forms:

• はずがない = cannot be (strong denial)
• はずではない = shouldn't be (softer negative expectation)
• ないはずだ = should not ~ (expectation of negative)

Comparison:

• はずだ = logical expectation (should be)
• べき = moral obligation (ought to)
• だろう = speculation, guess (probably)

Examples: 荷物は3時に届くはずです。(The package should arrive at 3 o'clock.) 彼はもう知っているはずだ。(He should already know.) 明日は休みのはずです。(Tomorrow should be a day off.)