Is this sentence correct: "You should be receiving your package by next week"?
Hello,

I would like to know if the sentence above is correct.
Specifically, I would like to know if the preposition "BY"
can be used in that context, or should I just say:
"You should be receiving your package next week"?

Thanks in advanced for the help! :)

Question

Is this sentence correct: "You should be receiving your package by next week"?
Hello,

I would like to know if the sentence above is correct. 
Specifically, I would like to know if the preposition "BY" 
can be used in that context, or should I just say:
"You should be receiving your package next week"?

Thanks in advanced for the help! :)

Answer

There is a slight difference.  "You should be receiving your package BY next week" means no later than next week, but possibly this week.  "You should be receiving your package next week" means you will receive it next week, but not any earlier than next week.   "By" in this context means no later than, but possibly earlier than.  Example:  I expect to get my Ph.D. by 2020 means I expect to get it no later than 2020, but possibly earlier such as 2019.

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