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"By now" vs "Hitherto"

Both "by now" and "hitherto" are correct phrases, but they are used in different contexts. "By now" is commonly used to refer to a point in time that is already past, while "hitherto" is a more formal and less commonly used term that means "up to this time." They are not interchangeable due to their different levels of formality and usage.

Last Updated: March 31, 2024

By now

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to refer to a point in time that is already past.

Use "by now" to refer to something that should have happened or become true at the present time or before the present time.

Examples:

  • By now, you should have received the package.
  • I thought you would have finished your homework by now.
  • By now, they must have arrived at the airport.
  • By now, she should have made a decision.
  • By now, the meeting should have started.

Alternatives:

  • at this point
  • by this time
  • already

Hitherto

This phrase is correct but less commonly used in English. It is a formal term that means "up to this time."

Use "hitherto" in formal or literary contexts to mean "up to this time" or "until now."

Alternatives:

  • up to now
  • until now
  • so far

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