"by the end of this year" vs "at the end of this year"

Question

"by the end of this year" vs "at the end of this year"

Both phrases are correct, but they have slightly different meanings. 'At the end of this year' refers to a specific point in time, while 'by the end of this year' indicates a deadline or timeframe before the end of the year. The choice between them depends on whether you are referring to a specific moment or a deadline.

Last Updated: March 23, 2024

This phrase is used to express that something will be completed or achieved before the conclusion of the year.

Examples:

We need to finish the project by the end of this year.
I plan to visit all the countries on my list by the end of this year.

Alternatives:

before the end of this year
prior to the end of this year
by year-end
before the year is over
by the end of the month

This phrase is used to specify a particular moment or event that will occur at the conclusion of the year.

Examples:

We are planning a big celebration at the end of this year.
The project will be completed at the end of this year.

Alternatives:

at the end of the month
at the end of the week
at the end of the day
at the end of the semester
at the end of the quarter

Answer 1

by the end of this year

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to indicate a deadline or timeframe before the end of the year.

Answer 2

at the end of this year

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to refer to a specific point in time at the conclusion of the year.

"by the end of this year" vs "at the end of this year"

by the end of this year

at the end of this year

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