English phrase from drama scenes
What Does "by that time" Mean?
Learn what "by that time" means, when people say it, and how to use it naturally in English.
Intermediate
Neutral
Soft
Explain
By that time, we could
It means they expect to be far away or partly gone by then.
From In Her Shadow, Episode 28
When do people say this?
Scene Context
The speaker predicts they will have traveled far by a certain time.
Usage Scenario
Use this to describe expected progress or distance in travel or escape situations. It is more situational than a general English phrase.
Better ways to say it
1
By that time, we could be halfway out of town.
2
We could be halfway out of town by then.
3
By then, we might be halfway out of town.
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