Help on the meaning of a phrase.

[ripplejm]

Hi, I was wondering whether somebody could let me know the exact meaning of "no later than the second (or whatever number) of February (or whatever month)". If we use this month as an example, does it mean no later than Mon, Feb 9, or Fri, Feb 13? Thanks!

[mkss]

Originally Posted by ripplejm

Hi, I was wondering whether somebody could let me know the exact meaning of "no later than the second (or whatever number) of February (or whatever month)". If we use this month as an example, does it mean no later than Mon, Feb 9, or Fri, Feb 13? Thanks!

Perhaps you mean 'Not later than...'... and the phrase means: 'Not after (that date)'

[English-coach]

Your expression is correct. For example: Send me your assignment, no later than the 5th of Feb. It means that you need to send your assignment to this person any time before and including the 5th of Feb. It is a deadline for when you need to do something.

For example. I am getting married and they tell you that you have to get your wedding dress ordered no later than 6 months before the wedding. Or have the invitations sent out no later than the first week of march.

I hope that helps.
Diana
English Course for Beginners: Real life English

[mkss]

No. It is not correct (at least according to my dictionary)

[English-coach]

It is not incorrect to say to someone...
Send me the documents, no later than the second of March.

Originally it might have been used with not, but I would never say it that way.

[Searching for language]

The only time that "not later" would normally be used is for emphasis.
"That report needs to be on my desk not a minute later than 10:00 am. tomorrow."

I am not a teacher.

[mkss]

Originally Posted by English-coach

It is not incorrect to say to someone...
Send me the documents, no later than the second of March.

Originally it might have been used with not, but I would never say it that way.

... it is not incorrect from the point of view of grammar and use, but in terms of collocation, 'not later than something' is a fixed phrase and ripplejm asked for the meaning of 'a phrase'

[English-coach]

Originally Posted by English-coach

It means that you need to send your assignment to this person any time before and including the 5th of Feb. It is a deadline for when you need to do something.

Diana
English Course for Beginners: Real life English

I already provided the meaning. :)

[Mans-mov]

It means some thing hasn't happend until that specific day. For example you say it wasnt until Mrach the second, when I found out what had happend.