Meaning & use
no later than date
Last updated
Meaning
phrasefixed phrase
Used to state that something must happen on or before a particular day or time.
Grammar: Often followed by a specific date or time: no later than Friday, no later than 5 p.m.
Patterns
- no later than + date/time
- something must be done no later than + date/time
Please submit your application no later than March 15.
The package should arrive no later than Tuesday morning.
You must pay the fee no later than the end of the month.
Common combinations
- no later than Friday
- We need your answer no later than Friday.
- no later than 5 p.m.
- The office closes no later than 5 p.m. on Fridays.
- no later than the deadline
- All entries must be received no later than the deadline.
- no later than the end of the month
- The report is due no later than the end of the month.
Synonyms and how they differ
- by
- More common in everyday speech; 'by Friday' means the same as 'no later than Friday'.
- before
- Suggests earlier than a time, but can imply strictly before, while 'no later than' includes the date itself.
Opposites
Commonly confused: no later than date or no later then?
no later than date vs no later then
A common misspelling. Use 'than' for comparisons, not 'then'.
Practice
Complete the sentence: The assignment must be handed in ______ Friday.
Choose one answer.
'No later than' is the correct phrase for a deadline. 'No later then' is a spelling mistake, and the other options are not standard English.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “no later than date”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.