What is the Difference Between By and Until?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚The main difference between "by" and "until" lies in how they are used to indicate time in sentences. Here are the key distinctions:
- By: This preposition is used to express a deadline or a specific point in time by which an action or event must be completed. It is followed by a specific time, such as a date or hour. For example, "The package must be delivered by Friday."
- Until: This word is used to refer to a range of time up to a certain point or a period before the deadline. It is not followed by a specific time and generally implies that the action or situation continues until the specified time. For example, "The store is open until 10 pm."
In summary:
- "By" is used for a specific date or time and can indicate a strict deadline or a target time.
- "Until" is used for a duration and generally refers to a continuation up to a specified time, not necessarily a strict deadline.
It is important not to confuse these two prepositions, as replacing them with each other can change the meaning of the sentence. For instance, "I need to finish the report by Monday" means that the report must be completed by Monday, while "I need to finish the report until Monday" implies that the report must be worked on continuously until Monday, but the completion time is not specified.
Comparative Table: By vs Until
The difference between "by" and "until" lies in their usage as prepositions in the English language. Here is a table summarizing their differences:
| Preposition | Meaning | Usage |
|---|---|---|
| by | Near or at, used to show the side, direction, or proximity | |
| until | Up to the time of, implying continuation or persistence before a certain time |
- "By" is used to show the side, direction, or proximity of something. For example:
- The cat is by the window.
- "Until" is used to indicate up to the time of, implying continuation or persistence before a certain time. For example:
- I will be at work until 6 pm.
In summary, "by" is used to show the side, direction, or proximity of something, while "until" is used to indicate up to the time of, implying continuation or persistence before a certain time.