Until and by both point to a moment in the future, but one describes something continuing and the other describes a deadline.
Until describes an action that continues up to a certain point, then stops.
until full definition →
By describes a deadline, the latest possible moment something happens.
by full definition →
| until | by | |
|---|---|---|
| Describes | An action continuing up to a point | A deadline, the latest moment |
| Typical verbs | stay, wait, work, continue | finish, submit, arrive, complete |
| Simple test | "until 6pm" means continuing up to 6pm | "by 6pm" means no later than 6pm |
Until means continuing up to a point. By means no later than a point. "I'll wait until 6" but "finish it by 6."
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