"for 30 minutes" vs "by 30 minutes"

Question

"for 30 minutes" vs "by 30 minutes"

The phrases 'for 30 minutes' and 'by 30 minutes' have different meanings and are not directly comparable. 'For 30 minutes' indicates the duration of an action, while 'by 30 minutes' suggests a deadline or a point in time. Therefore, the choice between them depends on the context in which they are used.

Last Updated: March 15, 2024

This phrase is used to specify the length of time an action lasts. It is followed by a time duration, such as 'for 30 minutes' or 'for an hour.'

Examples:

I will be studying for 30 minutes before taking a break.
The movie lasted for two hours.
She practiced the piano for an hour every day.
They talked on the phone for 20 minutes.
The meeting is scheduled for 45 minutes.

Alternatives:

for an hour
for a day
for 15 minutes
for a week
for a month

This phrase is used to show that something will be completed or happen before a specific time or deadline. It is often followed by a time reference, such as 'by 5 p.m.' or 'by the end of the week.'

Examples:

Please finish your homework by 6 p.m.
The report needs to be submitted by Friday.
I will be home by 7 o'clock.
She promised to call me back by noon.
The project should be completed by the end of the month.

Alternatives:

before 30 minutes
prior to 30 minutes
until 30 minutes
no later than 30 minutes
by the deadline of 30 minutes

Answer 1

for 30 minutes

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to indicate the duration of an action.

Answer 2

by 30 minutes

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to indicate a deadline or a point in time.

"for 30 minutes" vs "by 30 minutes"

for 30 minutes

by 30 minutes

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