by sunday

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "by Sunday" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It is typically used to indicate a deadline or a time frame in which something should be completed. Here are a few examples: 1) "Please submit your report by Sunday evening." 2) "The sale ends by Sunday, so make sure to take advantage of the discounts." 3) "We need to finish painting the house by Sunday." 4) "The project must be completed by Sunday at the latest." 5) "I promised to have the cookies baked by Sunday for the bake sale."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

BY SUNDAY EVENING, all four projects were finished.

The New York Times

And submit it by Sunday.

The New York Times

The players had not responded by Sunday.

The New York Times - Arts

By Sunday, though, a lot had changed.

The New York Times - Sports

By Sunday, the panic had eased.

The New York Times

By Sunday afternoon that had changed.

The Economist

It could end by Sunday night.

The New York Times - Sports

(Her voice had returned by Sunday).

The New York Times

I hope everything arrives by Sunday.

The New York Times

By Sunday, my head was bald.

The New York Times

"Let's see by Sunday evening," insisted Griffiths.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When setting deadlines using "by Sunday", be specific about the time of day if necessary to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify "by Sunday evening" or "by Sunday at 5 PM".

Common error

Avoid assuming that "by Sunday" automatically means the end of the day. Clearly state the intended cutoff time if you need something completed earlier.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by Sunday" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb, specifying a time limit or deadline. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and commonly used in written English. Examples show it setting expectations for completion.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "by Sunday" is a common and grammatically sound way to indicate a deadline or time constraint. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is widely used across various contexts, primarily in News & Media. While its register is neutral, specifying the time of day can enhance clarity. Alternatives include "before Sunday" or "no later than Sunday", but "by Sunday" remains a versatile and readily understood option.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on or before Sunday

Explicitly includes the possibility of completing the task on Sunday itself.

by Sunday at the latest

Similar to "no later than Sunday", stressing the final deadline.

no later than Sunday

Highlights the absolute latest time for completion, adding a sense of urgency.

before Sunday

Emphasizes completing the task at any point before the specified day.

by the end of Sunday

Focuses on the entire day of Sunday as the concluding timeframe.

prior to Sunday

A more formal way of saying "before Sunday".

Sunday deadline

A shorter, more direct way of indicating the deadline.

by close of business Sunday

Specifies a deadline associated with business hours.

target completion Sunday

Highlights the goal of finishing by Sunday.

leading up to Sunday

Highlights the period of time before Sunday, indicating preparation or anticipation.

FAQs

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

You can use "by Sunday" to indicate a deadline or a time frame for completing a task. For example, "Please submit your report "by Sunday"."

What phrases are similar in meaning to "by Sunday"?

Similar phrases include "before Sunday", "no later than Sunday", or "on or before Sunday".

Is it more formal to say "prior to Sunday" instead of "by Sunday"?

Yes, "prior to Sunday" is generally considered a more formal alternative to "by Sunday". Use it in professional or academic contexts where a more elevated tone is appropriate.

What does "by Sunday evening" specifically imply?

"By Sunday evening" indicates that something should be completed before the end of Sunday. It's more specific than just saying "by Sunday", which could be interpreted as any time on Sunday.