Deadlines

[TwoShortPlanks]

If someone said to you that a task had to be completed by Friday, would you take that as it needs to be done before Friday morning or before Friday night? 

[barry1010]

Friday morning

[Peter Pedant]

friday morning

[TwoShortPlanks]

That's what I think too! 

I had asked someone to do a work related thing by today, and it's still not done.

[barry1010]

Hope you weren't supposed to do it and fobbed it off on to them, TSP.

[jackthehat]

I would be inclined to think it was before close of business on Friday.

If it was needed for Friday morning, I would phrase it such as I would like it completed by Thursday night so I had it to hand for Friday morning.

[naomi24]

I would have it done Thursday night.

[TwoShortPlanks]

No Barry, it was something they were supposed to have done themselves. 

I suppose I should have been more clear, but considering it still hasn't been done I think the fault isn't mine? 

[jno]

sometimes "by Friday" sounds like "by the end of the week", especially if it's work-related. It's probably worth being as specific as you can.

[jackthehat]

No. Regardless of any early confusion, it certainly ought to have been done by now.....several hours ago, to be honest.

[TwoShortPlanks]

I had even said that the task needed to to be done by Friday as someone else needed to do some further work on her completed part. 

[THECORBYLOON]

If you wanted it done before a specific time or date you should have made that clear and given a reminder about it at some point.

[THECORBYLOON]

More work had to be done by someone else but would the first person have known what the second person's deadline was?

[Hazlinny]

It's difficult ...  I would take it that the work had to be definitely completed before Saturday - agree with TCL.  

[retrocop]

I would have completed the task by Thursday midnight and ready for first thing Friday morning.

[newmodarmy]

I'd have asked at the outset, but if there was any doubt I'd have it by Thursday night ready for consideration as from start of business on Friday

[TwoShortPlanks]

Yes TCL, I had said she needed to to her part by Friday so someone else could do theirs on Friday itself.

I'm sure I could hae been clearer bu saying it had to be done by Thursday night.

I'd be more forgiving of any confusion if the task had actually been done at all today. 

[THECORBYLOON]

Did you not remind the person before to-day about the deadline?

[TwoShortPlanks]

No I didn't TCL. Possibly should have, but in honesty snowed under with my own work just now. I foolishly thought she would do as asked. I did speak to her on Tuesday about it, and messaged to confirm the arrangements. 

[Canary42]

I think I would take it as by some time on Friday (even up to midnight).  

[Maydup]

It's ambiguous to be honest. Might be better next time to day by end of play on Thursday.

If the person has finished work for the day then they have missed your deadline now. If they are on a flexi arrangement then I guess they have until midnight tonight to complete the task.