In a previous section, you learned how should can be used to express advisability:

–The front desk clerk should give us a discount.

Another way should can be used is in expressions of expectation:

–They have been working hard. They should do well.

(In this example, should means will probably.)

The past form (should have) means that the speaker expected something that did not happen:

–I haven't heard anything from them. They should have called by now.

Examples of Expectation and Should

• Oh, maybe around 9:30. It should only take about twenty minutes on foot.
• You should be completely well by then.