by the afternoon
一般用于时间限定,在傍晚前。
in the afternoon表示时间状态,在下午。(in用于一段时间)
on the Tuesday afternoon 在星期二的下午。(on用于具体时间)
例如,
You should come back by the afternoon.
傍晚前你一定要回来。
The school usually has a basketball match in the afternoon.
学校通常下午都安排有篮球赛。
There will be a square afternoon competition on Sunday afternoon.
星期日下午将举行广场午比赛。