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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

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.

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.

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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