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by vs By now

Both "by" and "by now" are correct, but they are used in different contexts. "By" indicates a deadline or a point in time when something will happen, while "by now" implies that something should have happened or changed up to the present moment.

Last updated: March 20, 2024 • 1097 views

by

This is a common and correct preposition used to indicate a deadline or a point in time when something will happen.

Use "by" to indicate the deadline by which something should be completed or the point in time when an action will occur.

Examples:

  • Please submit your report by Friday.
  • I will finish the project by the end of the month.
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Alternatives:

  • before
  • until
  • no later than
  • prior to
  • at

By now

This is also a correct phrase used to indicate that something should have happened or changed up to the present moment.

Use "by now" to express that a particular action or change was expected to occur before the present moment.

Examples:

  • He should have arrived by now.
  • By now, you should have received the package.
  • By now he thinks freedom is something he dreamed.
  • By now... there's nothing which is good for me yet.
  • By now, it would be assigned to someone else.
  • By now, these things just feel wrong.
  • By now, he's completely submissive to her.
  • By now, most of you know who I am.
  • By now he's found the house again.
  • By now I was close-knit with you.
  • By now, they've taken the turbine room.
  • By now they should be digging pits, putting bags of sand up.
  • By now, all the merchandise is accounted for.
  • By now, the pattern is all too familiar.
  • By now most of the urban cities has to be compromised.
  • By now, everyone is looking for me...
  • By now you realize that escape is impossible.
  • By now, the Wraith will be upon him.
  • By now it's your trademark.
  • By now, Solomon is dead by his own deeds.
  • By now the stuff is out of your system.
  • By now, it should be emitting the unmistakable odor of putrefaction.

Alternatives:

  • at this point
  • by this time
  • already
  • so far
  • up to now

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