by the end of the week

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "by the end of the week" is correct and definitely usable in written English.
This phrase typically signifies the near future - usually within 7 days from the current day - and is almost always used in reference to a specific week. For example, "I need to have this report finished by the end of the week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

By the end of the week, it had passed 2m.

The Guardian - Arts

By the end of the week, Alex was distraught.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

By the end of the week, the line was shorter.

The New York Times

By the end of the week, the game was ready.

The New Yorker

They started dating by the end of the week.

The New York Times

By the end of the week, she'd come around.

The New Yorker

That vote could come by the end of the week.

The New York Times

I need it by the end of the week".

The New York Times - Sports

By the end of the week, we'll know who's best".

The New York Times - Sports

By the end of the week, you're pretty fried".

The New York Times - Sports

He should be freed by the end of the week.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "by the end of the week" to set a clear deadline within the current week, ensuring your audience understands the urgency and timeframe.

Common error

Ensure the context clearly indicates which week you're referring to. If there's any possibility of confusion, specify "by the end of this week" or "by the end of next week."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by the end of the week" functions as an adverbial phrase of time, modifying a verb or clause to specify when an action is expected to be completed. As demonstrated by Ludwig, it clearly indicates a deadline within the current week.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Academia

13%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "by the end of the week" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to indicate a deadline or expected time of completion within the current week. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and wide applicability. Predominantly found in News & Media, Academia, and Science contexts, it maintains a neutral register suitable for various communication settings. For clarity, especially in formal situations, consider alternatives such as "by the week's end" or specifying a particular day.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

by the week's end

Swaps word order slightly while retaining the original meaning.

before the week is out

Replaces "by the end" with "before...is out", emphasizing completion before the week concludes.

within this week

Uses "within" to specify the timeframe.

this week

A shorter version, focusing on the week as a whole without pinpointing the end.

before next week

Highlights that the action must occur before the upcoming week.

in the coming days

Specifies the near future without reference to the weekly cycle.

prior to the weekend

Specifies that action must occur before the weekend.

over the next few days

Focuses on a short timeframe.

no later than the weekend

Emphasizes that the deadline is the weekend.

by the close of business this week

More formal, specifying the end of the work week.

FAQs

How can I use "by the end of the week" in a sentence?

You can use "by the end of the week" to indicate a deadline or expected completion date. For example, "The project should be completed "by the end of the week"."

What's a more formal alternative to "by the end of the week"?

A more formal alternative would be "by the week's end" or "by close of business on Friday", depending on the context.

What can I say instead of "by the end of the week"?

You can use alternatives like "this week", "within this week", or "before next week" depending on the context.

Is it always clear what "by the end of the week" means?

While commonly understood, it's best to provide specific dates if there's potential for ambiguity. Saying "by Friday" leaves no room for misinterpretation.