Learn English – n AmE/BrE difference whether “by date X” means by the beginning or ending of this date

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A job application in England wants applications to arrive by the 30th. I understand this to mean by the end of the 30th (in London time). The accepted answer to this question appears to indicate the same. However, it is now clear that the English who posted this meant by the beginning of the 30th, meaning the end of the 29th. This surprised not only myself, but also a Canadian colleague. This happened at two independent instances.

Is there a difference between American/Canadian English and British English in what is colloquially meant with by the 30th, by Friday, etc.?

(The related question Does "notified by [date]" include the end date? does not address whether there is an American/British English difference)

Best Answer

In law, this question has been heavily litigated in both countries over many centuries and many situations. In Anglo-American law, the answer is "by the close of business on the date stated" unless the writing clearly means something else. If, for example, the contract read, "Payment must be delivered before June 15th," then the deadline is June 14th.

Unless you are dealing with a law firm or willing to sue over the issue, then as one commentator said, it is up to the institution to interpret their own rule.