Thread: by and until
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Old 21-May-2004, 19:13
Susie Smith
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Default Re: by and until

Quote:
Originally Posted by henry
Quote:
Originally Posted by Hank
what is difference between by and until
Thank you
'by' is used when not later than the time mentioned; before

e.g. Can you finish the work by six o'clock?

'until/till' is used when up to the point in time or the event mentioned.

e.g. Let's wait until someone answers. :wink:
by + a time means "not later than"
e. g. You must be home by midnight.

You cannot use until with this meaning.
Call me by 3 o'clock. NOT Call me until/till 3 o'clock.

Something continues until a time in the future.
e. g. I will stay up until you get home.

Something happens by a time in the future.
e. g. I will have gone to bed by the time you get home.
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