How would you translate the following German sentence into English?
Ich brauche den Bericht bis Ende des Monats.
Did you come up with I need the report until the end of the month? I’d be surprised if you were the only one, but it should in fact be I need the report by the end of the month.
So when do you use by and when do you use until?
By means on or before
By expresses that something will happen not later than a certain time.
By Wednesday = on or before Wednesday.
A few examples:
I want to finish this project by the end of the month.
Please send us your application by 28 February.
The building work should be finished by the end of 2016.
Until means up to
Until expresses how long a situation or an action continues.
Until Wednesday = all the time up to Wednesday.
For example:
I’ve given myself until the end of the month to finish the report.
He’s got until 28 February to send in his application.
The building work is likely to take until the end of 2016.
Till means the same as until, but is more common in conversation or informal writing.
Got it? Then it’s time to test yourself:
I don’t know about you, but I find it really hard to get up in the morning at this time of year. If it were up to me I’d stay in bed (1) ________ lunchtime or at least (2) ________ the sun comes out. Unfortunately I have to be up (3) _______ 7 o’clock during the week – and there’s no sign of sunshine then.
Fingers crossed that (4) _____ the time I send you the next newsletter spring will be here. (5) ______ then, keep warm and stay cheerful!
