LoginBy vs. At
'By' and 'at' are both used to show 'time' which is why they might confuse learners. In this lesson, we will learn their uses and differences.
What Is Their Main Difference?
Setting a Deadline
We use 'by' to set a particular time. Things must happen before or at the appointed time. Have a look:
The reports are to be on my desk
Here, we are setting a deadline. The action can be done before or at the appointed time but not after it.
I have to turn in this article
Talking about an Exact Moment
We use 'at' to show an exact moment in time. So we can use hours, a specific time of the day, a certain age, etc. Have a look:
The reports are to be on my desk
Here, we are setting an exact moment in which the action must be done in.
I have to turn in this article
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