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they are leaving at vs they are leaving by

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'They are leaving at' is used to specify the exact time when someone is leaving, while 'They are leaving by' is used to indicate the latest time by which someone will leave.

Last updated: March 21, 2024 • 1049 views

they are leaving at

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to specify the exact time when someone is leaving.

This phrase is used to indicate the specific time at which someone is leaving a place. It is commonly used in sentences like 'They are leaving at 5 p.m.'

Examples:

  • They are leaving at 9 o'clock.
  • They are leaving at noon.
  • They are leaving at midnight.
  • Jan 13, 2016 ... Thunderbolt. Ok we get it they are leaving at noon, yea. north?really? But really who boards a plane on the tarmac in this day and age?
  • Feb 3, 2015 ... It is not deemed to be acceptable for a teacher to announce to the head that they are leaving at half term, so nor should it be acceptable for a ...
  • ... of the problems arise from over alcohol consumption during texting) goes over and the guests are still there and say they are leaving at noon.
  • If you lose someone, probe why they are leaving. At this point, it is probably too late to try to salvage that person; however, by taking a little extra time to find out ...

Alternatives:

  • They are leaving at 5 p.m.
  • They are leaving at the end of the party.
  • They are leaving at the scheduled time.

they are leaving by

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to indicate the latest time by which someone will leave.

This phrase is used to specify the deadline or latest time by which someone is expected to leave. For example, 'They are leaving by 6 p.m.' means they will leave at or before 6 p.m.

Examples:

  • They are leaving by 5 o'clock.
  • They are leaving by the end of the day.
  • They are leaving by tomorrow morning.
  • They are leaving by George Lilanga - © 2010-2016 The Contemporary African Art Collection - Contact Caacart - Seydou Keita Photographer, the official website , ...
  • 6 days ago ... ... the state, just ask anyone in the transportation business, they are leaving by planes, trains and automobiles and maybe some by boats!
  • Jan 15, 2016 ... Only 3.5 Million total on the island; they are leaving by the 1,000s, 10,000s, 100,000s. By the millions is not quite right. Agree that more ...
  • Dec 17, 2015 ... Your trying to discredit the real reason they are leaving by using the attack the messenger troll post. You don't attempt to answer why the ...

Alternatives:

  • They are leaving by 6 p.m.
  • They are leaving by the deadline.
  • They are leaving by the latest time.

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