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Florazheng1015 Posted 18 years ago
Grammar

in vs. within

Hello! Could someone else explain the difference between 'in' and 'within' about time?

eg1 This is the worst water shortage in 4 years.

eg2 This is the worst water shortage within 4 years.

Thanks in advance!
  

Top answer

Hello, Ther eis not much difference between within and in but within implies more restriction. Errm, to understand better, make a search on the search box right above.

— Doll

  • Hello, Ther eis not much difference between within and in but within implies more restriction.
  • Errm, to understand better, make a search on the search box right above.
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12 Answers
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Hello,

Ther eis not much difference between within and in but within implies more restriction. Errm, to understand better, make a search on the search box right above.
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In this case, only 'in' makes sense to me. I wonder what native speakers think.
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florazheng1015Hello! Could someone else explain the difference between 'in' and 'within' about time?

eg1 This is the worst water shortage in 4 years.

eg2 This is the worst water shortage within 4 years.

Thanks in advance!
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Within can work in the future tense. I totally agree with you, Optilang. However, in the context provided by the poster, the period spans back in time and I feel only 'in' sounds right. Would you use within? If so, does the meaning still remain the same?
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For the sentence posted here I would only use 'in'.
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# 1 is the correct usage
# 2 is understood but sounds incorrect.

George Bush has managed to allow oil prices to rise from $25 a barrel when he took office to $148 In less than 8 years.



Within his 2 terms, his approval rating dropped sharply, along with the economy and quality of life.
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florazheng1015This is the worst water shortage in 4 years.
during the four-year period ending today
florazheng1015This is the worst water shortage within 4 years.
Anomalous. Here's a better use of "within".

This is the worst wate
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Hi all,

Thanks for your responses. I am still not clear.
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What about the version:

1. The only prerequisite to use the software is to be in the University network?

2. The only prerequisite to use the software is to be within the University network?

I will pick the second version but I am not sure why!!!

cheers!
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