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Anonymous Posted 10 years ago
Grammar
'by' with past tenses
Hi,
What is the difference between these sentences when used with 'by'?
1.By 2011, everybody was using this new technology.
2.By 2011, everybody had used this new technology.
2.By 2011, everybody had been using this new technology.
Thanks
What is the difference between these sentences when used with 'by'?
1.By 2011, everybody was using this new technology.
2.By 2011, everybody had used this new technology.
2.By 2011, everybody had been using this new technology.
Thanks
Top answer
The reference point is 2011. So when 2011 began, 1. everybody was already using this technology and continuing to use it.
- The reference point is 2011.
- So when 2011 began, 1.
- everybody was already using this technology and continuing to use it.
- 2.
- everybody had used it (at least once).
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5 Answers
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The reference point is 2011. So when 2011 began,
1. everybody was already using this technology and continuing to use it.
2. everybody had used it (at least once). How much before 2011 is unspecified.
3. everybody had already been using it (regularly). This one is like 1.
CJ
1. everybody was already using this technology and continuing to use it.
2. everybody had used it (at least once). How much before 2011 is unspecified.
3. everybody had already been using it (regularly). This one is like 1.
CJ
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Thanks CJ.
It means that 'by...'is not restricted to past perfect, correct? I was taught that using 'by..' is restricted to past perfect because it means 'before'.
What is the exact meaning of 'by...'?
Thanks,again.
It means that 'by...'is not restricted to past perfect, correct? I was taught that using 'by..' is restricted to past perfect because it means 'before'.
What is the exact meaning of 'by...'?
Thanks,again.
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Anonymous 'by...'is not restricted to past perfect, correct?Correct.
AnonymousWhat is the exact meaning of 'by...'?There is no exact meaning. It may depend on context. It's usually "not later than", "any time earlier than".
CJ
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CalifJim Anonymous 'by...'is not restricted to past perfect, correct?Correct.AnonymousWhat is the exact meaning of 'by...'?There is no exact meaning. It may depend on context. It's usually "not later than", "any time earlier than".CJCan 'in' or 'during'replace 'by' in the above sentences?
Many thanks.
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AnonymousCan 'in' or 'during'replace 'by' in the above sentences?No. By 2011 and in 2011 are quite different. 'during' is like 'in'.
Jan 2009 .......... Jan 2010 ............. Jan 2011 ...........Dec 2011 ... Jan 2012
| .................... BY ........................... | ............... IN ................. |
CJ
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