Langeek

Night Mode

Learn

Mobile App Premium Dictionary

By vs. Until

'By' and 'until' are both used to talk about time but there are differences between them. In this lesson, we will learn more about their uses and differences.

"By" vs. "Until" in the English grammar

What Is Their Main Difference?

The main difference between 'by' and 'until' is that 'by' talks about deadline while 'until' refers to all the time between the action's starting point to the end of the action.

Talking about Deadline

We use 'by' to talk only about the deadline. When we use 'by' we are emphasizing the time that an action or event came to an end. Have a look:

Your assignments must be on my desk by Wednesday.

I need to be home by 9 p.m.

Talking about a Period of Time

We use 'until' to talk about the time between a starting point and the end of the time period. For example:

I have to work until 4 p.m.

The Zoo is only open until sunset.

With Other Prepositions

'Until' can be used with other prepositions to give more detail about the time period. Have a look:

Our work days are from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m.

The ice festival is open from December until February.

Are They Interchangeable?

'By' and 'until' are not interchangeable. Replacing them with each other will completely change the meaning of the sentence.

Comments

(0)

Share on :

Recommended

With vs. Through

In order to add to your bookmarks you must sign in to your account

Close

Are you confused about the difference between 'with' and 'through'? In this lesson, we will learn their uses and differences.

From vs. Of

In order to add to your bookmarks you must sign in to your account

Close

In this lesson, we will learn the differences and uses of prepositions 'from' and 'of.'

From vs. Since

In order to add to your bookmarks you must sign in to your account

Close

'From' and 'since' are both used to talk about a specific time period. In this lesson, we will learn their uses and differences.

By vs. Via

In order to add to your bookmarks you must sign in to your account

Close

'By' and 'via' are commonly confused by English learners. In this lesson, we will learn when to use each of them and their uses.

For or On

In order to add to your bookmarks you must sign in to your account

Close

When we are talking about certain times, which preposition of time can we use? In this lesson, we will learn when to use 'for' and 'on.'

From vs. Between

In order to add to your bookmarks you must sign in to your account

Close

'From' and 'between' are prepositions widely used in the English language. In this lesson, we will learn their uses and differences.

Download LanGeek app