should have arrived by now

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navi tasan

Key Member
Joined
Nov 19, 2002
Member Type
Academic
Native Language
Persian
Home Country
Iran
Current Location
United States
Can one use:
1-They should have arrived.
instead of:
2-They should have arrived by now.
(Meaning: It is very likely that they have arrived by now.)

If the context makes it clear that one means "by now".

What time is it?
It is five o'clock?
Well then, give them a call at home. They should have arrived
. (instead of "They should have arrived by now.)

I know that "They should have arrived by now" could also mean "They should have arrived by now, but they have not." That is not the meaning I am looking for here.

Gratefully,
Navi.
 

5jj

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Oct 14, 2010
Member Type
English Teacher
Native Language
British English
Home Country
Czech Republic
Current Location
Czech Republic
Can one use:
1-They should have arrived.
instead of:
2-They should have arrived by now. (Meaning: It is very likely that they have arrived by now.)

If the context makes it clear that one means "by now".
One can, if one wishes to save seven keyboard strokes.
 
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