“By” vs. “Around”: What’s the Difference?

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The difference between “by” and “around”

  • "By" emphasizes the importance of meeting a specific time or deadline, whereas "around" allows for some flexibility or variation.
  • "By" implies a commitment to meeting the specified time, whereas "around" suggests a more general expectation or approximation without strict adherence to a precise time.
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What is the definition of “by” and “around”?

By
  • "By" indicates a deadline or a specific time when something is expected to be completed or achieved.
  • It denotes a point in time before or at a specified time or event.
Around
  • "Around" suggests an approximate time without specifying an exact or precise moment.
  • It implies a general or flexible timeframe that may vary within a certain range.

Which is the more popular variant on the Internet?

“By” is the more popular variant on the web.
More popular
By
25,270,000,000 results on the web
Examples
  1. Please submit your report by the end of the day.
  2. The package will be delivered by tomorrow morning.
  3. I need the project proposal completed by Friday.
Around
7,080,000,000 results on the web
Examples
  1. The event will start around 7 o'clock in the evening.
  2. I usually have lunch around 12:30 p.m.
  3. They plan to arrive at the party around 8:30 p.m.
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