by which time

USAGE SUMMARY

"by which time" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you wish to refer to a point in time in the future. For example: "I expect to have finished the project by which time I will go on vacation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

By which time everyone is in tears.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

By which time it's become a shtick.

The New York Times

By which time I'd somehow married and divorced.

The Guardian - Opinion

By which time it would be of no use.

The Guardian

By which time he was a middle-aged character actor.

The Guardian - Film

By which time I will have eaten my arm.

The New York Times

By which time, cold and tired, you look like shit.

Independent

I stayed at the lab until 3.45am, by which time all four control animals were dead".

The Guardian

Pain sends them to a hospital, by which time it is often too late.

The New York Times - Health

They should be left on the tree till ripe, by which time they are beautifully sweet.

The Guardian - Sport

Conversely, the tech bubble became obvious only in 1999 — by which time it was already enormous.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "by which time", ensure the sentence provides context for the time being referenced. It should be clear what event or period is leading up to the specified time.

Common error

Avoid using "by which time" without a clear reference point. Ensure the reader understands what event or situation the 'time' is dependent upon. For instance, instead of saying 'The project will be completed, by which time the funds will be released', specify 'The project will be completed next week, by which time the funds will be released'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by which time" functions as a temporal conjunction, connecting two clauses by indicating a point in time when the action of the second clause will occur, relative to the action of the first clause. It specifies the timing or deadline for a subsequent event.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Science

12%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "by which time" is a versatile temporal conjunction used to establish a clear sequence of events, specifying when a subsequent action will occur in relation to a preceding one. As Ludwig AI points out, it is considered grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, ranging from neutral news reporting to more formal business or academic writing. While alternatives like "by then" or "at that point" exist, "by which time" adds a touch of formality. When using "by which time", clarity and establishing temporal relationship should be prioritized.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

by then

A shorter, more direct way of indicating a future time.

by that time

Similar to "by then" but with a slightly more formal tone.

at that point

Focuses on a specific moment rather than a duration.

in the meantime

Highlights the intervening period before a future event.

before that happens

Emphasizes the sequence of events.

prior to that

A more formal way of saying "before that".

up until then

Implies a continuous action or state leading to a specific time.

no later than

Specifies a deadline or latest possible time.

come that time

An idiomatic expression indicating a future moment.

when that moment arrives

A more descriptive and emphatic way of referring to a future time.

FAQs

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

Use "by which time" to indicate a point in the future when something else will happen or be completed. For example: "The repairs should be finished in two weeks, by which time you can move back in".

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

Alternatives include "by then", "by that time", or "at that point". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is it more formal to say "by which time" or "by then"?

"By which time" is generally considered more formal than "by then". Using "by which time" can add a touch of sophistication to your writing, making it suitable for academic or professional contexts.

Can "by which time" be used to describe past events?

While less common, "by which time" can be used to describe a point in the past relative to another past event. For example: "He had already left, by which time the police arrived".