Confusing Words > by and until

Confusing Words > by and until


BY AND UNTIL
BY ( plus a time ) = not later than. Something happens by a time in the future.

Examples:

Don’t worry, you will get your books by Thursday.

I’d better pay the phone bill. It has to be paid by tomorrow.

She is very busy this week. She has to finish this report by Wednesday.

They hope to build the offices by March next year.

You will need to hand your project in by the end of next week.


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UNTIL(or till) is used to say how long a situation continues. Something continues until a time in the future.

Examples:

She is very busy this week. She won’t have any time until Wednesday.

Dave will be on holiday until Monday.

Yesterday he stayed in bed until 12:00.