by the end of the day

Meaning

This phrase is used to set a deadline for the close of the business day, usually around 5:00 PM or 6:00 PM. It is a polite but clear way to request that a task be completed before work finishes today.

Examples

• I need you to submit the weekly report by the end of the day.

  I need you to submit the weekly report by the end of the day.

• We hope to sign the contract by the end of the day today.

  We hope to sign the contract by the end of the day today.

• If you can finish the slides by the end of the day, I can review them tomorrow morning.

  If you can finish the slides by the end of the day, I can review them tomorrow morning.

• The manager wants an update on the project status by the end of the day.

  The manager wants an update on the project status by the end of the day.

• I promise to send you the price quote by the end of the day.

  I promise to send you the price quote by the end of the day.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ I will finish the report until the end of the day.

  ✓ I will finish the report by the end of the day.

  Use 'by' to indicate a deadline (no later than). 'Until' describes an ongoing action that stops at a certain time.

• ✗ Please send me the files at the end of the day.

  ✓ Please send me the files by the end of the day.

  'At the end of the day' means at the exact moment the day ends. 'By the end of the day' means any time before the day ends, which is standard for business deadlines.

Related Expressions

Practice

• Please make sure to approve the budget ___.

  💡 Before the workday finishes today.

  Show answer

  by the end of the day

• I will have the draft ready for you ___.

  💡 Before 5 PM today.

  Show answer

  by the end of the day