by then vs before then

Both 'by then' and 'before then' are correct phrases, but they are used in different contexts. 'By then' indicates that something will happen before a specific time, while 'before then' implies that something will happen prior to a mentioned time. They are not interchangeable as 'by then' focuses on completion by a certain time, whereas 'before then' emphasizes the time preceding another time.

Last updated: April 09, 2024 • 184 views

The phrase 'by then' is correct and commonly used in English. It indicates that something will happen before a specific time.

"by then"

Use 'by then' when referring to an action or event that will be completed before a particular time in the future.

Examples:

I will finish my work by then.
Please make sure to arrive by then.
The package should arrive by then.
She will have left by then.
We should have the results by then.

Show examples from the web [+]

At least we'll be in sync by then.
But by then, we were his prisoners.
School will be done by then.
I was swamped with debt by then.
The blood on my hands had dried by then.
How by then she loved you like family.
The trial should be over by then.
We should know for sure by then.
But by then cattle were already raised unnaturally.
I want Matobo found by then.
Our antimatter supply will be depleted by then.
If we haven't made it by then... keep going.
And Jim will be dead by then.
Hopefully, your sister will be here by then.
You'll be onto your second husband by then.
He'll be gone by then.
I think she was insane by then.
They could have easily eaten seven zebras by then.
Maybe we'll be dead by then.
And by then we'll be settled in Paris.

Alternatives:

by that time
by that point
by that date
by that deadline
by that moment

The phrase 'before then' is correct and commonly used in English. It implies that something will happen prior to a mentioned time.

"before then"

Use 'before then' when referring to an action or event that will occur prior to a specific time in the future.

Examples:

Please finish your homework before then.
We need to leave before then.
Make sure to complete the project before then.
She will have arrived before then.
The meeting should be over before then.

Show examples from the web [+]

Get a finished product before then.
Even before then all is not steady progress.
Her organs could give out before then.
You'll be going home before then.
I'll have the locks changed before then.
If we haven't come up with anything before then...
You should be gone before then.
Hopefully we find a solution before then.
It's what we do before then that matters.
I'll let you know before then.
But don't show your face before then.
He stopped visiting me in juvie way before then.
We'll get out before then.
We'll get out before then.
We'll have you ashore before then.
No. I'll take off before then.
The next move will made before then.
I don't think I'll be back before then.
And you and I need to fix this before then.
I thought there were female teachers way before then.

Alternatives:

prior to that time
prior to that point
before that date
before that deadline
before that moment

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by then vs before then

"by then"

"before then"

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