by vs. until
Commonly confused · Daily EnglishDaily EnglishB1
“By” = at or before a deadline (one action). “Until” = continuously up to a point.
1What it means
Use by for a single action that must happen no later than a time: Finish it by Friday. It can happen any time before Friday.
Use until (or till) for a situation that continues and then stops: I’ll be in the office until Friday.
💡 “By” = deadline for one action. “Until” = keep going, then stop.
2Examples
- Please reply by 5 p.m.
- The shop is open until 9 p.m.
- I have to submit the report by Monday.
- We waited until the rain stopped.
3Quick check Tap the best answer.
1. Choose the correct word: “I need your answer ___ tomorrow morning.”
2. Choose the correct word: “She stayed at the party ___ midnight.”
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