Prepositions on and by (1)

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Prepositions on and by
Message de jl11 posté le 08-12-2008 à 21:50:04 (S | E | F)
I have just worked with the lesson about prepositions : I am not able to understand how to manage with on and by. What is the difference between these when we speak about a moment of time, a date, an hour, a day ?
Should we say : I'll arrive on ten or I'll arrive by ten ?

Thank you for your answer.

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Réponse: Prepositions on and by de hoger, postée le 08-12-2008 à 22:30:29 (S | E)

I'll arrive at + time

Example: I'll arrive at 10 o'clock.
This gives the precise hour of my arrival—it will not be before or after this hour.

I'll arrive on + day or date

Example: I'll arrive on Friday / on the 10^th.
This gives the day of my arrival—it will not be the day before or after.

I'll arrive in + month, season, year

Example: I'll arrive in October, winter, …
This gives the month, season, … of my arrival—it will not be before or after the specified period.

I'll arrive by + any of the above time specifications (= no later than)

Example: I'll arrive by 10 o'clock / Friday / spring …
This gives the latest possible time of my arrival—it will not be after the time specified; "by" is typical for deadlines:

• You have to turn in your homework by next Wednesday.
• Send in your applications by February 10.

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