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 • 1083 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.

Show examples from the web [+]

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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.

Show examples from the web [+]

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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by vs By now

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