I'll be ready by today

[AlexAD]

Hello.

Can I say "I'll be ready by today" with the meaning not later than today?
If not what would you say otherwise?

Thanks, Alex.

 

[abaka]

Yes. It's quite idiomatic. You can also say "it (my project, my preparations, etc.) will be ready by today".

 

[bhaisahab]

I find that an odd thing to say. I would say "It will be ready today".

 

[Barb_D]

I agree with Bhai. By later today or this afternoon, okay, but just "by today" sounds odd.

 

[billmcd]

I find that an odd thing to say. I would say "It will be ready today".

Yes, if it is a project, report, some physical entity etc. But if it is something that I must be prepared for, I would say, " I'll be ready today".

 

[Barb_D]

I completely agree, but that's "I"ll" be ready and this was "It will" be ready.

 

[Tdol]

It sounds odd to me too- I'd just use today or by the end of today (= by the end of the working day).

 

[Barb_D]

My apologies. It was "I" and not "It" to start with!