I'm not sure about the usage of "in" and "after". For example, it's January now and I got rejected in a job application, some one tells me that I can re-apply in six month. Is this "in" the same as "within"? Does it mean I can re-apply in the period between January and June but not after June? Or does it mean I should re-apply after June?
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In six months means after six months in this case. After June.– bibCommented Jan 11, 2014 at 22:51
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What is an example that "in" is used as "within"?– Logan YangCommented Jan 11, 2014 at 22:53
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1In the six months I was in office ...– bibCommented Jan 11, 2014 at 22:55
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Is it true that when "in" is used for the future it always means after that time instant?– Logan YangCommented Jan 11, 2014 at 22:57
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1Future is not clear in your question. For example How much can occur in a year is a time reference but is not future, and does not mean after but during.– bibCommented Jan 11, 2014 at 23:05
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1 Answer
In this case, you can re-apply in six months means you must wait until six months after your first application to file a new one (i.e. June).
If they intended to say that six months was the latest you could re-apply, they would have said you can re-apply for six months or you can re-apply within six months. You could also communicate this sense by saying you can re-apply in the next six months.
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For the form "You can do something in some time period", does it always mean after? Commented Jan 11, 2014 at 23:14
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1@LoganYang If you say Call me in an hour, it means you want me to call you after one hour has passed. If you say Call me in the next hour, it means you want me to call before one hour has passed.– chosterCommented Jan 16, 2014 at 16:19