In vs. Within ? Technical Writing Tips for the Oil Patch

I received a question from the Peanut Gallery today. Robert asks:

?What is proper usage of the word ?in? versus ?within??

In is a preposition that denotes inclusion or location. It can also mean ?into.?

Examples:

He is in the military.? (inclusion)

I live in Houston.? (location)

Go jump in the lake.? (into)

Within is also a preposition, but it has a subtle meaning of ?inside the boundaries or limits.?

Examples:

Fireworks are illegal within the city limits.

Do not store bleach within reach of young children.

When speaking about time, keep this subtle difference in mind.

Examples:

I can finish the job in two days.? (plus or minus a few hours)

You must finish the job within two days.? (penalty if it takes 49 hours)

Here?s another example that shows the difference between location and boundaries:

She is in the box.

She thinks within the box.

Both mean ?inside,? but the former denotes location, and the latter denotes a limit.
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Profound Quotes of the Day

?Peace comes from within. Do not seek it without.?

- Buddha
?Love is a fruit in season at all times, and within reach of every hand.?

- Mother Teresa

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