by that time

USAGE SUMMARY

"by that time" is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used to indicate a point in the future from which a certain event can be expected. For example: "I will have finished my report by that time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

By that time he could barely talk.

BBC

By that time (c.

Encyclopedia Britannica

By that time the scouts had departed.

Independent

But by that time he had disappeared.

The New Yorker

By that time, 20 children were dead.

The New York Times

By that time, Weiner was two.

The New Yorker

By that time Hilda was walking again.

The New Yorker

And by that time, my interests shifted.

The New York Times

By that time she was dead.

Independent

By that time the movement had folded.

Encyclopedia Britannica

By that time, it was 1972.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "by that time" to clearly establish a temporal relationship between two events, making sure the context provides a clear reference point for 'that time'.

Common error

Avoid using "by that time" when the chronological order is unclear. Ensure the reference point is well-established before using the phrase.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by that time" functions as an adverbial phrase of time, indicating when an event or state will have occurred relative to a previously mentioned time. Ludwig confirms its correct and usable nature, serving to establish a temporal sequence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Encyclopedias

10%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Science

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "by that time" serves as a useful adverbial phrase to establish temporal relationships. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across diverse contexts such as news, encyclopedias, and academic writing. While its formality is neutral, ensure clarity in your writing by providing adequate context for 'that time'. Consider "by then" or "at that point" as alternatives for conciseness or emphasis, respectively. Avoiding ambiguity ensures effective communication and proper sequencing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

by then

A shorter, more concise way of expressing the same temporal relationship.

at that point

Focuses on a specific moment rather than a period leading up to it.

eventually

Indicates something will happen after a period of time, without specifying a particular moment.

in due course

Suggests a natural or expected progression of time.

subsequently

Emphasizes that the second event follows the first, but is more formal.

thereafter

Similar to 'subsequently' but may imply a longer duration.

in the interim

Highlights what happens during the time between two events.

as time went on

Focuses on the process of time passing.

down the line

Less formal, indicating a point further in the future.

in the fullness of time

Implies that something will happen when the time is right or after a significant period.

FAQs

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

Use "by that time" to indicate something that will have happened before a specific point in the future or had happened before a point in the past. For instance, "The project will be completed "by that time"."

What are some alternatives to using "by that time"?

Alternatives include "by then", "at that point", or "eventually". The best choice depends on the context and the nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "by that time" and "at that time"?

"By that time" refers to a period leading up to a specific moment, while "at that time" pinpoints a specific moment. Use "by that time" when an action is completed before a moment, and "at that time" when describing something happening precisely on that moment.

Is it ever incorrect to use "by that time"?

It's not grammatically incorrect, but it can be confusing if the reference point isn't clear. Ensure your sentence provides sufficient context for understanding what "that time" refers to.