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Diamondrg Posted 20 years ago
Grammar
by / until
1- We danced until dawn.
2- She can't leave until Friday.
Is it possible to use "by" in 2? If no, why not? Which do you think should be used in 3, by or until?
3- He won't be back in the office ---- 4 o'clock.
What is the difference between 2 and 3?
2- She can't leave until Friday.
Is it possible to use "by" in 2? If no, why not? Which do you think should be used in 3, by or until?
3- He won't be back in the office ---- 4 o'clock.
What is the difference between 2 and 3?
Top answer
In #2, using "until," she will be ready to leave by Friday, but no sooner. In #2, using "by," she won't be ready to leave on Friday - presumably when someone wanted to go. In fact, we don't know when she will be ready to go, but Friday is too soon.
- In #2, using "until," she will be ready to leave by Friday, but no sooner.
- In #2, using "by," she won't be ready to leave on Friday - presumably when someone wanted to go.
- In fact, we don't know when she will be ready to go, but Friday is too soon.
- When you use "by," someone outside of the speaker has inquired about the availability of that time/date/day and you are responding to it.
- In #3, assume someone is having a meeting at 4 and wants him to be there.
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7 Answers
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In #2, using "until," she will be ready to leave by Friday, but no sooner.
In #2, using "by," she won't be ready to leave on Friday - presumably when someone wanted to go. In fact, we don't know when she will be ready to go, but Friday is too soon. When you use "by," someone outside of the speaker has inquired about the availability of that time/date/day and you are responding to it.
In #2, using "by," she won't be ready to leave on Friday - presumably when someone wanted to go. In fact, we don't know when she will be ready to go, but Friday is too soon. When you use "by," someone outside of the speaker has inquired about the availability of that time/date/day and you are responding to it.
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some might find this useful:
http://www.longman.com/ae/azar/grammar_ex/message_board/archive/
select/click on "until"
click on "By vs. until"
http://www.longman.com/ae/azar/grammar_ex/message_board/archive/
select/click on "until"
click on "By vs. until"
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Marius Hancusome might find this useful:Thank you, Marius.
http://www.longman.com/ae/azar/grammar_ex/message_board/archive/
select/click on "until"
click on "By vs. until"
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So, is it correct to say "He will be back in the office until Monday"? or "He will not be back in the office until Monday"?
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Anonymous
So, is it correct to say "He will beback inout of the office until Monday"? or "He will not be back in the office until Monday"? Okay
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