Which one is correct?
"by 2016" or "until 2016"?

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by 2016

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to indicate completion or achievement of something before the year 2016.

Use 'by 2016' to express that something will be completed or achieved before the year 2016.

Examples:

  • I will finish my project by 2016.
  • The renovations will be completed by 2016.

Alternatives:

  • before 2016
  • prior to 2016
  • no later than 2016
  • by the end of 2016
  • by the year 2016

until 2016

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to indicate a continuous action or state up to the year 2016.

Use 'until 2016' to express that something happened continuously up to the year 2016.

Examples:

  • I lived in that city until 2016.
  • The company operated in that building until 2016.

Alternatives:

  • up to 2016
  • till 2016
  • through 2016
  • before 2016
  • prior to 2016
Both phrases are correct, but they convey different meanings. 'Until 2016' indicates a continuous action or state up to the year 2016, while 'by 2016' suggests completion or achievement of something before the year 2016. The choice between them depends on the context and the intended meaning.

Last Updated: March 19, 2024

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