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 #2 (permalink) Wed Nov 08, 2006 20:49 pm By versus Until |
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 SkiIucK
I'm here quite often ;-)
Joined: 09 Oct 2006
Posts: 850
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| #3 (permalink) Wed Nov 08, 2006 21:27 pm By versus Until |
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Your first sentence is incorrect, Tom. The word by can be used to talk about a deadline and means "not later than":
Please call me with the information by Friday (at the latest).
Amy
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Yankee
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| #4 (permalink) Wed Nov 08, 2006 21:33 pm By versus Until |
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A lot of thanks, Amy
So, are the following sentences synonymous now?
1- I am free until 6 this evening.
2- I am free by 6 this evening.
I think both sentences suggest that I am not free after 6.
Your opinions please!
Tom |
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Tom
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Posts: 2103
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| #5 (permalink) Wed Nov 08, 2006 22:02 pm By versus Until |
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Nope. 8) :shock:
The two sentences have opposite meanings. In addition, sentence 1 can be used with either the simple present tense or a future tense; sentence 2 should use the future (unless you want to say "I am free by 6 pm every day", for example).
1- I am/will be free until 6 this evening. --> I am free now, but after 6 pm I will not be free.
2- I will be free by 6 this evening. --> I am not free now, but at some point during the day, not later than 6 pm, I will be free. I will also be free after 6 pm.
Amy
_________________
"Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power." ~ Abraham Lincoln |
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Yankee
I'm a Communicator ;-)
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Posts: 8316
Location: USA
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