Would it sound awkward if I say "until 2024" instead of "by 2024" in this context?

Native speaker’s answer

Rebecca

Yes, it would sound awkward! "By" and "until" function quite differently. "By" means no later than a certain time. Whereas "until" indicates the point of time something ends. So here, the recovery will be made no later than 2024. If "until" was used it would change the meaning to between 2021 and 2024 it would be fully recovered, but after 2024 it wouldn't be fully recovered, which doesn't quite make sense! Ex: I'll be at the restaurant by 4 PM. => no later than 4 PM. = I'll be at the restaurant until 4 PM. => I'll leave at 4 PM. Ex: I lived there until 2018, and then I moved houses. Ex: I'll have my business going by the end of the year.

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Popular Q&As

05/21

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