ideally by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ideally by" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a preferred or optimal time frame for completing a task or achieving a goal. Example: "We should aim to finish the project ideally by the end of the month."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

A good book and winter weather make ideal companions: sitting for a long stretch in a comfortable chair, ideally by a fire, is a fine way to discover a new author or reacquaint yourself with an old favorite.

The New York Times

Their use is wrong and the world shouldn't stand ideally by.

The Guardian

Ideally, by becoming involved with a project in the early stages.

The Guardian

So, ideally, by the time of the presale view, people just talk about the work".

The New Yorker

The message is : Marry, ideally by 25, or you're on the shelf.

The New York Times

The court heard doctors want to start radiotherapy no later than 16 January, and ideally by 9 January.

The Guardian

The objective established here is to create a single free trade group, ideally by the beginning of 2002.

The New York Times

It is about serious literary writing, preferably Southern, ideally by writers who are eccentric, charismatic, and dangerously charming.

The New Yorker

The proposals call on countries to reveal how they will cut carbon pollution, ideally by March next year.

The Guardian

Contact the commissioning editor for this section - ideally by phone or email - and briefly outline your idea.

The Guardian

But people will pay dearly for the awe that accompanies a job done the hard way -- ideally, by someone else.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "ideally by" to clearly state a preferred deadline or desired condition, making your expectations explicit.

Common error

Avoid using "ideally by" in every sentence specifying a target; vary your language with alternatives to maintain reader engagement and prevent monotony.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ideally by" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate a preferred or optimal time frame or condition. As Ludwig AI shows, this phrase indicates the desirable parameter of an action.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Reference

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "ideally by" serves as an adverbial modifier to denote a preferred time or condition. With a "Correct" grammatical status, as stated by Ludwig AI, it enjoys frequent usage across diverse contexts like News & Media and Science, making it a versatile choice for expressing goals or expectations. Remember to balance its usage with suitable alternatives to prevent monotony. Understanding its function and communicative purpose, helps to communicate more effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

preferably by

Focuses on preference rather than an ideal situation.

optimally by

Emphasizes the best possible outcome or condition.

if possible by

Introduces an element of contingency, suggesting it might not be achievable.

where feasible by

Similar to 'if possible', highlighting practicality and achievability.

aiming for by

Indicates the intention or goal to reach a specific point.

the goal is by

Clearly states the intention to achieve a certain condition.

the target is by

Highlights the deadline or parameter of a task.

all things being equal by

Introduces the assumption that all variables should stay constant.

under normal circumstances by

Highlights that this is an average scenario.

on the assumption that all is going well by

Introduces the assumption that is a hypothetical or theoretical scenario.

FAQs

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

Use "ideally by" to express a preferred or optimal time frame for completing a task or achieving a goal. For instance, "We should aim to finish the project ideally by the end of the month".

What are some alternatives to "ideally by"?

You can use alternatives like "preferably by", "optimally by", or "if possible by" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "ideally before" instead of "ideally by"?

Yes, "ideally before" can be used to indicate a preferred time before a specific deadline, while "ideally by" specifies the preferred deadline itself.

What is the difference between "ideally by" and "hopefully by"?

"Ideally by" indicates a preferred or optimal scenario, whereas "hopefully by" expresses a wish or expectation. The former suggests a strategic preference, and the latter expresses a desire for a certain outcome.