by the end of the month

Meaning

This phrase indicates a deadline or a point in time that occurs no later than the final day of the current calendar month. It is widely used in both personal and professional contexts to set expectations for tasks, payments, or decisions. The tone is neutral, practical, and clear.

Examples

• I need to submit my rent payment by the end of the month.

  I need to submit my rent payment by the end of the month.

• We hope to finish the kitchen renovation by the end of the month.

  We hope to finish the kitchen renovation by the end of the month.

• If you don't cancel your subscription by the end of the month, you will be charged again.

  If you don't cancel your subscription by the end of the month, you will be charged again.

• She promised to make a decision about the job offer by the end of the month.

  She promised to make a decision about the job offer by the end of the month.

• Our goal is to read at least two books by the end of the month.

  Our goal is to read at least two books by the end of the month.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ I will finish this report until the end of the month.

  ✓ I will finish this report by the end of the month.

  "Until" describes a continuous action up to a point, whereas "by" is used for a single deadline.

• ✗ We must pay the bills in the end of the month.

  ✓ We must pay the bills by the end of the month.

  "In the end" means "finally" or "eventually." To specify a deadline, use the preposition "by."

Related Expressions

Practice

• Please make sure to return the borrowed library books ___.

  💡 before the current month finishes

  Show answer

  by the end of the month

• I am trying to save five hundred dollars ___.

  💡 before the 30th or 31st

  Show answer

  by the end of the month