by December 31st

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "by December 31st" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate a deadline or a specific date by which something must be completed or submitted. Example: "Please ensure that all reports are submitted by December 31st to meet the year-end deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

Deadlines

Agreements

Project timelines

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

But by December 31st it was Worsley who was suffering and struggling to keep pace.

The New Yorker

Crucial to the deal was North Korea's subsequent promise to declare all its nuclear activities by December 31st.

The Economist

Meanwhile, by December 31st, 300,000 signatures had already been gathered, 100,000 more than are required to call for a referendum.

The Economist

Once the Republicans figured this out, their interest in reaching a comprehensive agreement covering taxes and spending by December 31st declined precipitously.

The New Yorker

Applications will be vetted by a committee of G&G faculty convened by the Director of Undergraduate Studies, with notification by December 31st.

Yale University

The good news is that the north-south war is winding down: the government and Mr Garang's rebels signed a memorandum on November 19th committing both sides to a final peace deal by December 31st.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

Under their treaties of 1977, any remaining American bases are to be turned over to Panama, along with the canal, by December 31st , 1999

The Economist

The largest transaction of 27.68 billion lire is explained in the section below on Anna Maria Casati Stampa di Soncino's legacy.The holding companies put 32 billion lire in 1979 into Fininvest Roma by way of share capital, thereby apparently increasing its paid-up capital to 52 billion lire by December 31st 1979.

The Economist

Book by April 20 and depart by May 15.

The New York Times

By last count, seven.

The New Yorker

target by 2025.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "by December 31st" to indicate a deadline, ensure it's clear what action or item is due by that date. Be specific to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "by December 31st" without specifying the year, especially in contexts spanning multiple years. Always include the year for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by December 31st" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase of time, specifying a deadline or a point in time by which something must be completed or in effect. Ludwig confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

25%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "by December 31st" is a common and grammatically sound way to indicate a deadline, as confirmed by Ludwig. It functions as an adverbial phrase specifying a point in time for completion or effect. While versatile, clarity is key; always specify the year and the action associated with the deadline. Alternatives include "before December 31st" and "no later than December 31st". It's most frequently found in News & Media, Academia and Formal & Business contexts, demonstrating its applicability across various communication styles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

before December 31st

Specifies a time frame prior to the end of December.

on or before December 31st

Includes the possibility of the deadline falling exactly on December 31st.

no later than December 31st

Emphasizes the finality of the deadline.

by the end of December

Generalizes the deadline to the entire month.

prior to January 1st

Shifts the focus to the beginning of the next year.

at the close of the year

A more formal way to refer to the end of the year.

December 31st deadline

Highlights the deadline itself.

by year's end

Simplifies the phrase to a more general term.

before the new year

Highlights the proximity to the new year.

as of December 31st

Specifies a state or condition existing on that date.

FAQs

How to use "by December 31st" in a sentence?

Use "by December 31st" to set a firm deadline for completing a task or submitting something. For example, "All applications must be received "by December 31st" to be considered." Consider alternatives like "before December 31st" or "no later than December 31st".

What can I say instead of "by December 31st"?

You can use alternatives like "before December 31st", "no later than December 31st", or "by the end of December" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "by December 31st" or "on December 31st"?

"By December 31st" indicates a deadline, meaning something must be completed before or on that date. "On December 31st" specifies a specific date, implying that something happens exactly on that day. Use the phrase that accurately reflects your intended meaning.

What's the difference between "by December 31st" and "until December 31st"?

"By December 31st" indicates a deadline for completing something. "Until December 31st" suggests a duration, meaning something is ongoing up to that date.