By the deadline

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "By the deadline" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to indicate that something must be completed or submitted before a specified time. Example: "Please submit your report by the deadline to ensure timely review." Alternative expressions include "Before the deadline" and "By the due date."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

By the deadline, the Mint had received 15,000 inquiries and 884 entries.

Wikipedia

By the deadline of 12 March 1908 a total of 51 designs had been submitted by 13 different shipyards.

Wikipedia

And we raised £6.3m by the deadline.

The Guardian

Weather was the top challenge, followed by the deadline pressure.

The New York Times

Unlike Paterson, he has reached a resolution by the deadline.

The New Yorker

If the money is not spent by the deadline, you lose it.

The New York Times

If you don't raise the money by the deadline, the deal is off.

The New York Times

If their recounts are finished by the deadline, Mrs Harris must certify them.

The Economist

In the end, 520 plaintiffs opted out or did not respond by the deadline.

The New York Times

It remained unclear how many of them would submit an offer by the deadline.

The New York Times

If the buyback option isn't exercised by the deadline, it loses all value.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "by the deadline" to create a sense of urgency and encourage prompt action.

Common error

Avoid vague references when using "by the deadline". Always specify the precise date and time to prevent confusion and ensure everyone understands the expectation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by the deadline" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate a time constraint or a point in time by which something must be completed. As evidenced by Ludwig's examples, it specifies the temporal boundary for an action or event.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Science

24%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "by the deadline" is a common and grammatically correct way to indicate that something must be completed before a specific time. It's versatile, fitting into various contexts, and functions primarily to emphasize timeliness and adherence to set schedules. While Ludwig shows its frequent use across platforms, it's essential to ensure that the deadline itself is clear to avoid misinterpretations. Alternative phrasing includes "before the due date" or "prior to the cutoff". Remember the importance of clarifying the deadline and avoiding vagueness in writing to ensure effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Before the due date

Indicates completion or submission prior to the established date.

Prior to the cutoff

Emphasizes an action taken before a specific point in time after which it is no longer permissible.

No later than the appointed date

Stresses that the task must be completed on or before the specified date, adding a touch of formality.

By the specified time

Highlights adherence to a particular time, not necessarily a date.

On or before the final date

Clarifies that something can be done on the final date itself, as well as any time before it.

Within the time limit

Highlights adherence to a boundary of time.

Before the period expires

Emphasizes the limited duration available to complete the action.

Subject to the time constraint

Highlights how an activity is affected by a timeframe.

Adhering to the time frame

Focuses on the act of sticking to the predetermined period.

In accordance with the schedule

Links the action to an already established plan or timeline.

FAQs

How can I use "by the deadline" in a sentence?

You can use "by the deadline" to emphasize the importance of completing a task before a specific time. For instance, "Please submit your application "by the deadline" to be considered for the scholarship".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "by the deadline"?

Alternatives include "before the due date", "prior to the cutoff", or "no later than the appointed date", depending on the context.

Is it more formal to say "by the deadline" or "before the deadline"?

"By the deadline" and "before the deadline" are generally interchangeable in most contexts. However, "by the deadline" might imply greater emphasis on adherence, while "before the deadline" suggests completing the task any time before the final moment.

What's the difference between "by the deadline" and "on the deadline"?

"By the deadline" means up to and including the deadline date or time, while "on the deadline" means specifically on that date or time. Using "on the deadline" can be more precise when referring to something happening exactly at the specified end time.