"By the time" is a common time conjunction in English, but many learners confuse it with similar expressions like "when" or "until". So, what does by the time mean, and how is it used correctly? Let’s explore everything you need to know to apply this structure effectively in your writing and speaking.
1. What Does "By the Time" Mean?
"By the time" is a time conjunction used to indicate that something happens before another event or by the moment another event occurs. It connects two clauses and clarifies the timing between actions, making your sentence more coherent and meaningful.
Examples:
By the time the presentation concluded, the audience had already dispersed to attend other sessions.
By the time Sarah submits her application, the deadline for scholarship consideration will have passed.
2. Structure of "By the Time"
Understanding how to structure sentences using "by the time" can help you express ideas more naturally and logically in both written and spoken English.
"By the time" with Present Simple – Future Perfect
Used when one action happens in the present or near future, and the other will be completed by that time.
Structure:
By the time + S + V1 (present), S + will + have + V3
Examples:
By the time the guests arrive, the chef will have prepared a gourmet meal.
By the time Sarah is fluent in French, she will apply for an internship in Paris.
"By the time" with Future – Future Perfect
Used when both actions occur in the future, but one is completed before the other starts.
Structure:
By the time + S + V1, S + will have + V3
Examples:
By the time Lisa finishes her PhD thesis, her findings will have significantly contributed to environmental science.
By the time Daniel is 25, he will have established a successful startup.
"By the time" with Past Tense – Past Perfect
Used when one action was already completed before another happened in the past.
Structure:
By the time + S + V2, S + had + V3
Examples:
By the time we were at the art exhibition, the curator had introduced all the featured artists.
By the time he had submitted his dissertation, he had conducted extensive research on the topic.
3. Difference Between "By the Time", "When", and "Until"
Many learners struggle to choose between by the time, when, and until. Here is a comparison to clarify the distinctions:
"By the Time" vs "When"
Criteria | By the Time | When |
Position | Can start or follow the main clause | Same |
Meaning | Focuses on the moment something is already completed before another starts | Indicates the time something happens, without stressing order |
Function | Emphasizes completed action prior to the next | Describes when an action occurs |
Examples:
By the time she arrived, I had already left.
When I was a child, I often asked my mom to sing me to sleep.
"By the Time" vs "Until"
Criteria | By the Time | Until |
Position | Can start or follow the main clause | Same |
Meaning | Indicates one action is finished before another starts | Indicates an action continues up to a certain point |
Function | Clarifies sequence and completion | Emphasizes duration and dependency |
Examples:
My team will have finished the presentation by the time the manager arrives.
She will not leave the office until the report is finalized.
4. Practice Exercises: "By the Time" Structure
Complete the sentences using the correct verb form:
By the time we (reach) ___ the airport, our flight will have already taken off.
By the time Sarah (finish) ___ her presentation, her colleagues will have given their feedback.
When you (arrive) ___ at the conference, I will have met all the key speakers.
By the time the concert starts, we (wait) ___ outside for 30 minutes.
By the time the manager (review) ___ the report, the team will have completed the project.
By the time I (start) ___ my new job, I will have attended three training sessions.
How many books (you/read) ___ by the time you graduate?
Will you (prepare) ___ all the reports by the time the meeting (begin) ___?
When you (get) ___ back from your trip, I (finish) ___ painting your room.
By the time the train (depart) ___, we (wait) ___ at the station for over an hour.
Answers:
reach
finishes
arrive
will have waited
reviews
start
will you have read
have prepared / begins
get / will have finished
departs / will have waited
Master "By the Time" to Boost Your IELTS Band Score with IDP
Using "by the time" effectively helps you express time relationships clearly, which is crucial for both writing and speaking in the IELTS exam. Mastering this structure not only improves sentence clarity but also boosts your score for grammatical range and accuracy.
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