Preposition: By, until

[Dinhtuong]

Could you please tell me which sentence is true?
- I have to finish my report by seven o'clock.
- i have to finish my report until seven o'clock.
could you tell me the difference between "BY" "UNTIL"?
and the usage of them?

[5jj]

Could you please tell me which sentence is true correct?

- I have to finish my report by seven o'clock.
- i I have to finish my report until seven o'clock. X

c Could you tell me the difference between "BY" "UNTIL"? and the usage of them?

We use until with something that will continue right up to a certain point: I will be working on my report unti seven o'clock.
We use by for something that will happen at any time up to or at a future time. It has a similar meaning to: not later than.

[SoothingDave]

I deal with a lot of Brazilians and they use "until" like this frequently. So someone is teaching its use.

[Rover_KE]

The incorrect

I have to finish my report until seven o'clock

could be rephrased as

'I have until seven o'clock to finish my report'.

Rover

[5jj]

I deal with a lot of Brazilians and they use "until" like this frequently. So someone is teaching its use.

In some languages (German is one example) one word covers both senses, so that explains the problems encounterd by some students.

[SoothingDave]

I'm sure there is some reason for the confusion. But:

"Company X has to supply a replacement part until December 10"

and

"Company X has to supply a replacement part by December 10"

really do mean different things!