a time by which

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a time by which" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to specify a deadline or a point in time by which something must be completed or achieved. Example: "Please submit your report by a time by which the committee can review it before the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

This involves stipulating a time by which the work must be finished.

The Guardian - Money

Once upon a time, by which I mean the 80s, artists owned storefronts like these all throughout downtown, but spaces like this haven't been seen in a long time.

Vice

It is relevant to notice that 1.72 million slaves (42.9% of the total) arrived in Brazil during the first half of the 19th century, a time by which the number of Amerindians in Brazil had dwindled due to strife and/or European-borne disease.

Plosone

The dynamic gene expression changes were assessed over the following 24 hours after HP- a time by which the brain would be protected against focal ischemia [ 7].

BMC Genomics

Two weeks after MNU treatment, a time by which the animals had recovered from MNU-induced toxicity, the rats were divided into two groups.

Breast Cancer Research

The intestines were then analysed for expression of both βgal and SYNβglu after 12 weeks, a time by which the process of crypt monoclonal conversion is largely complete [ 18].

BMC Biology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Instead of changing the factors one-at-a-time, by which, factor interactions cannot be obtained and a large number of simulation runs is needed, factors are changed systematically in the experimental design to reveal effects and interactions using a smaller set of designed simulation runs.

Geothermal Energy

This defines an expected time by which a specific event should occur.

Journal of Cloud Computing

Each of the seven eligible cities has a cutoff time by which products need to be ordered.

TechCrunch

"Although it's worrying if the asbestos levels are very high for a long time, by which I mean months or years".

BBC

Setting a specific time by which you must complete particular tasks helps to minimize distractions by keeping you on track.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To enhance readability, especially in formal contexts, consider using more direct alternatives like "deadline" or "due date" if they fit the intended meaning without sacrificing precision.

Common error

Avoid using "a time by which" when simpler phrasing would suffice. For instance, instead of saying "a time by which the report must be submitted", you could say "the report submission deadline" for a more concise and impactful statement.

Linguistic Context

"A time by which" functions as a prepositional phrase that introduces a temporal clause, specifying a deadline or a point in time before something should occur. This phrase provides context, as evidenced by the examples provided by Ludwig, where it clarifies when an action must be completed.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Academia

15%

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

15%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a time by which" is a grammatically correct phrase used to specify a deadline or point in time for completing an action. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, highlighting its usage across various contexts, including Science, News & Media, and Wiki. While common, it's advisable to consider more concise alternatives like "deadline" or "due date" for enhanced clarity, especially in formal settings. Remember to clearly state the action associated with the specified time to avoid ambiguity. Despite its correctness, be mindful of potentially simpler phrasings to maintain directness and impact in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a deadline by which

Replaces "time" with "deadline" emphasizing the finality and urgency of the temporal limit.

a date by which

Substitutes "time" with "date", providing a more specific and concrete temporal marker.

a point in time when

Offers a more descriptive and less concise alternative using "point in time" instead of simply "time".

a timeframe within which

Uses "timeframe" to suggest a period rather than a specific moment, altering the temporal scope slightly.

a period before which

Focuses on the duration leading up to the specified time, shifting the emphasis to the antecedent period.

the due date for

Highlights the 'due date' aspect focusing on tasks or deliverables.

the latest time for

Specifies the most recent acceptable moment, emphasizing the limit.

a cutoff time for

Implies a firm cessation or endpoint beyond which something is no longer valid.

a target date for

Replaces the concept of time with that of an objective.

a scheduled time for

Replaces the concept of time with that of a plan. The focus now lies on the planning and scheduling rather than deadlines.

FAQs

How can I use "a time by which" in a sentence?

Use "a time by which" to specify a deadline or a point in time for something to be completed. For example, "Please submit your application by "a time by which" the review committee can assess it."

What can I say instead of "a time by which"?

You can use alternatives like "a deadline by which", "a date by which", or "a point in time when" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "a time by which" or "by which time"?

Both phrases are correct but used differently. "A time by which" introduces a specific deadline, while "by which time" typically refers back to a previously mentioned time. For example: "The project deadline is Friday, "a time by which" all submissions must be finalized" versus "The event starts at noon, "by which time" most attendees will have arrived."

Is "a time by which" formal or informal?

"A time by which" is generally suitable for both formal and neutral contexts. However, for very formal settings, a phrase like "the deadline for" might be preferred for its directness and conciseness.