1

When the last day of registration is, let's say, 15 July, we currently say "please confirm your registration before 16 July" but students often send their confirmation on 16 July, rather than 15. I guess it's the date itself that's misleading.

5
  • You should say "on or before 15 July". Completely unambiguous, at the cost of two extra two-letter words. Aug 30, 2012 at 2:34
  • Which is the more common form? What I've seen in many applications is like "register by September 15, 2012".
    – its_me
    Aug 30, 2012 at 2:36
  • @its_me: "register by Sept. 15" implies that registrations can still be made on the 15th. On or before is quite common and, in the business world especially, both "on or before" and "by close-of-business (often abbreviated as COB) on" are frequently used.
    – Jim
    Aug 30, 2012 at 3:18
  • 4
    Simpler to say "... no later than 15 July."
    – Robusto
    Aug 30, 2012 at 3:35
  • This question can be improved by providing citations for references you consulted before posting the question. Consulting references and reporting the result is basic site etiquette.
    – MetaEd
    Sep 26, 2012 at 3:30

1 Answer 1

2

As in the comments, a common form that is succinct yet unambiguous is:

Please confirm your registration no later than 15 July.

Another unambiguous option is:

Please confirm your registration on or before 15 July.

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