Prepositions: fine distinctions
in time / on time, in the end / at the end, by / until, during / for, between / among, beside / besides.
| Pair | Difference | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| on time / in time | punctual / early enough (before it's too late) | The train left on time. We arrived just in time. |
| at the end / in the end | at the final point of something / finally, eventually | at the end of the film; In the end, we stayed home. |
| by / until | no later than (deadline) / up to (duration) | Finish it by Friday. Wait until Friday. |
| during / for | when? (an event) / how long? (a period) | during the meeting; for two hours |
| between / among | two (or distinct items) / a group | between you and me; among friends |
| beside / besides | next to / in addition to | Sit beside me. Besides English, she speaks German. |
| in / within | after (a period) / before the end of (a period) | I'll be back in ten minutes. Reply within 48 hours. |
Test yourself
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Complete: Please send the report ___ Monday. (deadline)
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by -
Complete: I lived there ___ five years.
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for -
Complete: We were worried, but ___ the end everything was fine.
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in -
Complete: She arrived just ___ time to catch the train.
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in