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

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The difference between “by” and “until”

  • "By" suggests that the action must be completed before or at a specific time, while "until" implies that the action will continue up to a specific point.
  • "By" emphasizes the time limit or deadline, while "until" emphasizes the continuity of the action.
  • "By" can indicate a deadline or the end of a certain period of time, while "until" conveys something continues up to a certain point in time.
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What is the definition of “by” and “until”?

By
  • "By" is used to indicate a deadline or the latest time for completing an action.
  • It indicates that the action must be completed before or at a specific time.
  • It is often used to express a time limit or a scheduled event.
Until
  • "Until" is used to indicate the latest possible time or the end of a period of time.
  • It implies that an action will continue to happen until a certain point.
  • It indicates a termination point or the end of a certain period.

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. By the time I finish my project, it will be too late to meet my friends for dinner.
  2. We must make it to the airport by 7 pm if we want to catch our flight.
  3. The package should be delivered by Friday.
Until
4,820,000,000 results on the web
Examples
  1. I will work until I finish the task at hand.
  2. We can't leave the house until the storm passes.
  3. The store is open until 9 pm.
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