By that time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'By that time' is correct and usable in written English.
You most commonly use it to indicate an approximate time in the future. For example, "By that time, I should have finished the report."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

By that time he could barely talk.

BBC

By that time (c.

Encyclopedia Britannica

By that time the scouts had departed.

Independent

By that time, 20 children were dead.

The New York Times

By that time, Weiner was two.

The New Yorker

By that time Hilda was walking again.

The New Yorker

By that time she was dead.

Independent

By that time the movement had folded.

Encyclopedia Britannica

By that time, it was 1972.

The New York Times

"By that time," says Fletcher.

The Guardian

By that time, the game was over.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "By that time" to clearly establish a temporal relationship between events, making sure the context provides a clear reference point for 'that time'.

Common error

Avoid ambiguity by ensuring the 'that time' in "By that time" is clearly defined or easily inferred from the preceding context. Vague references can confuse readers.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "By that time" functions as a time adverbial, modifying a clause by specifying when an event or state occurred or will occur. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's used to indicate an approximate time, linking it to a previously referenced point in time. The examples show its role in establishing temporal context.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "By that time" is a versatile time adverbial phrase used to clearly establish temporal relationships between events, as supported by Ludwig AI's analysis. It's most commonly found in news and media, encyclopedias and scientific writing, with a neutral register that suits a variety of contexts. While alternatives like "by then" or "at that point" exist, "By that time" provides a specific reference. When using the phrase, ensure the temporal reference is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity, remember that is one of the most important tip that you should consider.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

By then

Similar to "By that time" but shorter and more concise.

At that point

Focuses more on a specific moment in the past or future.

In due course

Implies that something will happen at an appropriate time in the future.

Eventually

Suggests that something will happen after a period of time, possibly after some delay.

Sooner or later

Indicates that something will happen at some unspecified time in the future.

In the fullness of time

A more formal and literary way of saying eventually.

Subsequently

Highlights that something will occur later, following another event.

Thereafter

A more formal synonym for subsequently.

In the interim

Refers to the time between two events.

Down the line

A more informal way of saying in the future.

FAQs

How do I use "By that time" in a sentence?

Use "By that time" to indicate a specific point in the past or future, referencing a previously mentioned event or time. For example, "The project was due in a month. "By that time", I had already completed half of the work."

What can I say instead of "By that time"?

You can use alternatives like "by then", "at that point", or "eventually" depending on the specific context.

Is it more appropriate to use "By that time" or "By then"?

""By that time"" and "by then" are often interchangeable, but ""By that time"" can provide slightly more emphasis or clarity, especially when the reference point is complex or requires more specific definition.

What's the difference between "By that time" and "In that time"?

""By that time"" indicates a point when something will have occurred, while "In that time" specifies a duration during which something happens. For example, ""By that time", the meeting will be over" vs. "In that time, much can be accomplished".