by today

USAGE SUMMARY

"by today" is correct and usable in written English.
It's usually used to mean that something should be done or completed by the current day. For example: "Please submit your assignment by today."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Stop by today and start your adventures as a library book listener.

Los Angeles Times

A post shared by TODAY (@todayshow) on Feb 21 , 2014at 6 00am PST.

Huffington Post

A post shared by TODAY (@todayshow) on May 5, 2014 at 5 45am PDT.

Huffington Post

He came by today with Lucinda".

The New Yorker

Call us or come by today!

Cornell University

And by today, it feels comfortable.

The Guardian - Travel

By today, the violence had subsided.

The Guardian

By today it was almost overpowering.

The New York Times

By today, he had changed his mind.

The New York Times - Sports

By today, order had been restored.

The New York Times

By today it was nine miles long.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "by today" to set a clear expectation that something needs to be completed or is effective on the current day. This is particularly useful in business communications or when assigning tasks.

Common error

Avoid using "by today" when you actually mean something should start 'sometime' today without a firm deadline. Use alternatives like "during the day" or "sometime today" to avoid creating unnecessary urgency.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by today" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to specify a time limit or deadline. Ludwig provides numerous examples where it clarifies when an action must be completed.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Academia

15%

Science

13%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "by today" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to indicate a deadline or the start of something on the current day. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread usage. As shown by Ludwig's numerous examples, its function is to set a clear temporal boundary. While suitable for various contexts, it's most prevalent in news and media. For those seeking alternatives, phrases like "before the end of today" or "no later than today" offer similar meanings, depending on the desired emphasis. When writing, ensure you use "by today" when you genuinely mean something must be completed on the current day, to avoid misinterpretations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

before the end of today

Emphasizes the completion must occur within the remaining hours of the current day.

by the close of business today

Specifically refers to the end of the working day, typically used in professional contexts.

no later than today

Highlights the deadline aspect, stressing that something cannot be delayed past the current day.

during the course of today

Focuses on the action happening at some point during the day, without specifying a strict deadline.

within today

Implies an action taking place at some point during the current day.

as of today

Indicates a change or status starting from the current day, often used to mark a new beginning or condition.

starting today

Similar to 'as of today', highlighting the commencement of something new.

this very day

Adds emphasis to the present day, suggesting immediacy or importance.

on this day

More formal and often used in commemorative or historical contexts.

in the present day

Refers more broadly to the current era or period, rather than a specific deadline.

FAQs

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

Use "by today" to indicate a deadline or a point in time that must not extend beyond the current day. For example, "The report must be submitted "by today"" or "The new policy is effective "by today"".

What are some alternatives to "by today"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "before the end of today", "no later than today", or "as of today". The best choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the deadline, the action, or the commencement of something new.

Is it redundant to say "by the end of today" instead of "by today"?

While "by the end of today" is not incorrect, it can be seen as slightly redundant. "By today" already implies the deadline is the end of the current day, making the extra words unnecessary.

When is it more appropriate to use "as of today" instead of "by today"?

"As of today" is better suited when indicating that something is beginning or becoming effective on the current day. For example, "As of today, the new regulations are in force." "By today" implies a deadline or completion point.