A fixed expression built from ordinary words whose combination has become conventional.
A fixed expression built from ordinary words whose combination has become conventional.
What does by then mean?
It means at that point in time, referring to a moment already mentioned or understood.
How is by then used in a sentence?
She promised to finish the report by then, meaning she would complete it at that point in time.
What is a synonym for by then?
Synonyms include at that point, by that time, then, and at that moment.
Is by then formal or informal?
The phrase by then is neutral in register, suitable for both formal and informal contexts.
Does by then refer to a past or future time?
The phrase by then refers to a point in time that has already been mentioned, which can be past or future depending on context.
Can by then be replaced with then?
Yes, then can replace by then, though by then often emphasizes the deadline.
What domain does by then belong to?
The phrase by then belongs to the temporal domain, dealing with time.