Question

We must finish the project ______ a year.

• A. By
• B. Within
• C. During
• D. For

Answer 1

Answer:

A. By

Prepositions of Time: 'By' vs. 'Within' vs. 'In'

• Understanding 'By': The preposition 'by' is used to indicate a deadline or a point in time no later than which something must be completed. It implies that the action will be finished at or before the specified time.
• Usage in the Sentence: In the sentence 'We must finish the project ______ a year,' 'by' signifies that the project's completion must occur at some point within the next year, but not after the year has passed.
• Distinguishing from Other Prepositions:
  • 'Within': 'Within' also indicates a time frame, but it often emphasizes the duration or the space inside a period. For instance, 'We must finish the project within a year' suggests completing it before the year is fully used up, possibly implying a shorter timeframe than 'by'.
  • 'In': 'In' is generally used to state the duration of a period or to indicate a specific point in time in the future. 'We will finish the project in a year' could mean the project will take a year to complete or will be finished a year from now.
• Competitive Exam Focus: Questions involving prepositions of time are common in competitive exams (e.g., SSC, banking, UPSC, IELTS, TOEFL). Pay close attention to the nuance of meaning each preposition conveys. 'By' specifically denotes a deadline.
• Common Error: Confusing 'by' with 'in' or 'within' is a frequent mistake. Always consider if the sentence implies a deadline ('by') or a duration/period ('in', 'within').