by lunchtime

USAGE SUMMARY

"by lunchtime" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to specify a particular point in time at or before lunchtime on that day. For example: "I need to finish this project by lunchtime."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

BY LUNCHTIME on October 14th, defence analysts were already calling it Schrempp's revenge.

The Economist

By lunchtime it was packed.

The New Yorker

We shut by lunchtime.

The Guardian - Money

A collector snatched it by lunchtime.

The New York Times - Arts

By lunchtime the throngs were back.

The New York Times

By lunchtime, the temperature felt positively balmy.

Independent

By lunchtime it was done.

The Guardian - Opinion

We were home by lunchtime.

The New York Times - Health

Like me, they're gone by lunchtime.

The Guardian - Travel

By lunchtime, Jake had found the bug.

The New Yorker

They'd filled his bed again by lunchtime".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "by lunchtime" to set a realistic and achievable deadline, especially in professional and everyday contexts. This phrase is best when you want to indicate a timeframe ending around the middle of the day.

Common error

Avoid using "by lunchtime" when you need a more precise time. This phrase is relatively broad and may not be appropriate if a specific hour is crucial.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by lunchtime" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase of time. As evidenced by Ludwig, it specifies a time limit or deadline, indicating that something should be completed or occur no later than the typical lunchtime period. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use in setting expectations for completion or arrival.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Formal & Business

3%

Science

2%

Less common in

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "by lunchtime" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to indicate a deadline or a point in time no later than the middle of the day. According to Ludwig, it functions as an adverbial phrase of time, primarily used to set temporal expectations in a neutral register. Ludwig provides numerous examples from reliable sources, demonstrating its frequent use in news and media. While "by lunchtime" is generally clear, be mindful of the context and choose more precise alternatives if a specific hour is crucial. Overall, this phrase is a versatile tool for communicating timeframes effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Before midday

Focuses specifically on the time before 12 PM, offering a more precise alternative.

By noon

Directly indicates no later than 12:00 PM, being slightly more formal.

No later than lunchtime

Emphasizes the deadline aspect, highlighting that the action must occur before or during lunchtime.

At or before lunchtime

Explicitly includes the possibility of something happening exactly at lunchtime.

Before the midday meal

A more descriptive and slightly formal alternative.

By the middle of the day

Highlights the central part of the day as the deadline.

In the forenoon

A more formal and less common way to refer to the morning period before noon.

Prior to lunch

A concise and slightly more formal way of saying before lunch.

Before the afternoon

Emphasizes that the action must occur before the second half of the day begins.

Leading up to lunch

Focuses on the time period immediately preceding lunchtime.

FAQs

How can I use "by lunchtime" in a sentence?

You can use "by lunchtime" to indicate a deadline or a point in time no later than the middle of the day. For example, "I need to finish this report by lunchtime" or "The package should arrive by lunchtime".

What does "by lunchtime" mean?

"By lunchtime" means at or before the time that lunch is typically eaten, usually around midday.

What can I say instead of "by lunchtime"?

You can use alternatives like "before midday", "by noon", or "no later than lunchtime" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "by the lunchtime"?

No, it is not correct. The correct phrase is "by lunchtime" without the article "the".