within

Meanings

1. 1preposition

   Before the end of a particular period of time; not later than.

   Grammar: Used with time periods: within a week, within an hour. It means 'in less than' that time.

   Patterns

   • within + time period
   • within minutes
   • within a few days

   Please reply within three days.

   The package should arrive within a week.

   She finished the test within the time allowed.

2. 2preposition

   Inside a place, area, or limit.

   Grammar: Used with physical or abstract limits: within the city, within the law, within reason.

   Patterns

   • within + place
   • within + limits
   • within the law
   • within reason

   There are several parks within the city center.

   You must stay within the boundaries of the school.

   The request is within reason, so I will approve it.

3. 3adverbformalliterary

   Inside; indoors (formal or literary).

   Grammar: Used without an object, often after a verb: go within. It is less common than 'inside'.

   Patterns

   • go within
   • from within

   The door opened, and he stepped within.

   The threat came from within, not from outside.

Common combinations

within walking distance

The hotel is within walking distance of the beach.

within the law

The company acted within the law.

within reason

I'll help you within reason, but I can't do everything.

within a few days

You should hear from us within a few days.

within sight

The finish line was finally within sight.

Synonyms and how they differ

inside

Inside is more physical and common for places; within is more formal and also used for time limits.

in

In can mean the same for time (in three days = after three days) but within means 'before the end of'.

Opposites

Commonly confused: within or in?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “within”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

Explore more words