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Is this sentence correct?

I will have to have done this (in two years for example).

What I want to say is : there is a task to be done in 2 years from now. this sentence is referring to the end of the 2 years in future.

Please tell me which one is correct:

  • I will have to have done this in 2 years from now.
  • I will have to have done this by the end of the year(one year for example).

I mean, should it refer to the "End" or to the "Duration"?

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    Why this structure? I must have this done by [date] is easier to understand.
    – Davo
    Commented Jun 20, 2017 at 18:26
  • @Davo right, but what if i wanna say s.th should have been done at then?
    – user227010
    Commented Jun 20, 2017 at 18:31
  • I thought OP was asking about future past perfect: In order for me to get across the bridge tomorrow you will have had to disable the alarm system before I get there or we’ll both be toast.
    – Jim
    Commented Jun 20, 2017 at 22:18

1 Answer 1

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I will have to have this done by [date]. - Correct; date may be absolute (20 June 2019) or relative (two years from today).

I will have to have this done in [duration]. - Also correct.

Please note: two years may be understood as a generalization; it is best to specify a date when the date is important.

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  • If you're specifying a date, the one ending 'by' is correct, not 'in'.
    – marcellothearcane
    Commented Jun 20, 2017 at 19:38

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