Why wasn't "d'ici minuit" an acceptable translation for "by midnight"?
Avant minuit
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Hi Danielle,
Interesting question!
To me in English as in French, although they are similar there is a slight difference between 'd'ici ...' 'by a certain time' and 'avant ...' 'before a certain time' -
1. "By a certain time" means at or before a specific time. It implies that the action or event should be completed no later than the mentioned time.
For example, "Please submit your assignment by 5 PM on Friday" means that the assignment should be submitted at or before 5 PM on Friday.
2. "Before a certain time" means earlier than a specific time. It does not include the mentioned time itself.
For example, "Please submit your assignment before 5 PM on Friday" means that the assignment should be submitted any time prior to 5 PM on Friday, but not at 5 PM.
In summary, "by a certain time" includes the specific time mentioned, while "before a certain time" does not include the specific time mentioned.
Hope this helps!
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