by then vs until then

Both 'by then' and 'until then' are correct phrases, but they are used in different contexts. 'By then' indicates a specific point in time when something will happen or be completed, while 'until then' indicates the period of time leading up to that point. They are not interchangeable.

Last updated: April 01, 2024 • 130 views

by then

The phrase 'by then' is correct and commonly used in English. It indicates a specific point in time when something will happen or be completed.

Use 'by then' to refer to a specific time in the future when an action will be completed or a situation will change. It implies that the action or situation will be completed before that time.

Examples:

I will have finished my work by then.
By then, the train will have left the station.
By then, I hope you will have made a decision.

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

until then

The phrase 'until then' is correct and commonly used in English. It indicates the period of time leading up to a specific point in the future.

Use 'until then' to refer to the time leading up to a specific point in the future. It implies that a change or action will occur at that future point.

Examples:

We will continue working until then.
You can stay here until then.
Until then, we will not know the outcome.

Show examples from the web [+]

I'd felt invisible until then.
So you can overlook until then.
Because you were really in control up until then.
It wasn't a capital crime until then.
And until then... we'll have cunning divide them.
But until then, I suggest maybe the Four Seasons.
All existing laws and regulations remain in place until then.
But until then, Wayne's a target.
But until then, this device is our only option.
Can I borrow this until then?
Get along well with my mom until then.
Just be quiet and do as I say until then.
So... until then, stay alive.
But, until then, go on.
But until then, Princess Daphne is still mine.
But until then, cheers to you both.
I still have to go to school until then.
But until then, you will treat them with respect.
But until then, Jenna and I are done.
But until then, I'd just make a little gesture.

Alternatives:

up to that time
up to that point
up to that date
up to that deadline
up to that moment

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