until
preposition
UK/ʌnˈtɪl/US/ʌnˈtɪl/
Up to the point in time or the event mentioned.
Example Sentences
I will wait here until you return.
She worked at the company until she decided to start her own business.
They stayed up late until the sun rose.
He didn't stop running until he reached the finish line.
We have to finish this project until the end of the month.
She remained silent until it was her turn to speak.
The store will remain open until midnight.
He kept searching until he found his lost wallet.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
Antonyms
conjunction
UK/ʌnˈtɪl/US/ʌnˈtɪl/
Up to the point in time or the event mentioned.
Example Sentences
I won't leave until you understand the importance of this matter.
She kept talking until everyone was fully informed.
They decided to stay until the event concluded.
He didn't stop working until he completed the task.
We must continue until we achieve our goals.
She remained calm until the situation was resolved.
They waited until the rain stopped before leaving.
He kept trying until he succeeded.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
Antonyms
How to Use
Marks when an action or event continues up to a certain point.“Until” is a preposition and sometimes a conjunction that expresses the point in time or the specific condition at which an action, state, or situation stops or changes. For instance, you might say, “I will wait until six o’clock,” signaling that you are willing to wait up to—and not beyond—6 PM. Similarly, in directions such as “Continue driving until you see a large tree,” the word highlights the boundary or endpoint for your action.When used as a time-based marker in writing, “until” helps organize sequences or transitions. For example: “Work on the project until you reach the desired result, then move on to final checks.” If you’re discussing schedules or deadlines, “until” pinpoints the moment at which one phase concludes. In a conditional sense, “until” also appears in contexts like “Don’t open the door until I knock,” indicating a requirement that must be fulfilled before proceeding.Its flexibility allows “until” to fit both everyday conversation and more formal settings. In business communication, you might write, “This promotional code is valid until the end of the month,” clarifying the last applicable date. In literature or narratives, “until” can signify suspense or a turning point—“He waited until nightfall to escape.” You can also combine “until” with negative constructions to emphasize a realization or shift that occurs at the specified moment, such as “I didn’t notice the painting until my second visit.” As long as you use it to highlight a temporal or conditional boundary, “until” can bring clarity to time frames, deadlines, or transitions in various contexts. By carefully placing “until” before the final point you want to indicate, you ensure your message conveys when, or under what conditions, something will stop, change, or become relevant.
Alternatives
Depending on the tone and formality you need, synonyms or related phrases for “until” can enhance variety and nuance. One close alternative is “till,” a more informal contraction of “until” that often appears in everyday speech—“I’ll be here till noon.” “Up to” can substitute in casual contexts, as in “We’ll keep practicing up to the start of the game.” If you want a more direct statement about time boundaries, you might simply say “through” (in some regional uses), like “I’ll be gone through Friday,” although “through” can also imply inclusivity of that day or moment, which differs slightly from the usual sense of “until.”“Before” is another option, though it shifts perspective to what happens earlier rather than emphasizing an endpoint. For condition-based usage, “unless” might come into play, although it centers on exceptions rather than time itself—“Don’t leave unless you have permission.” In more formal or academic settings, you might choose extended phrasing, like “prior to” or “up to and including,” to specify exact conditions. Mixing these terms allows you to tailor your message to specific audiences and contexts, whether you’re writing a simple text message or drafting detailed instructions. By recognizing each word’s subtle differences in scope, you can maintain accuracy and clarity while avoiding repetitive language. As a result, your work gains both precision and style, ensuring that time-bound or conditional statements are communicated effectively.
Writing
When writing with “until,” focus on clarity and coherence to establish clear boundaries or endpoints for actions, events, or states. “Until” is particularly useful for instructions or step-by-step guides—“Heat the mixture until it starts to simmer,” guiding readers to a specific stopping point. In a more formal document or research paper, “until” can define phases or deadlines precisely: “Data collection continued until the sample size reached 200 participants.” By showing a clear finish line, you help the reader or audience follow the intended process.To avoid repetition, you might alternate “until” with synonyms like “till,” “up to,” or “before,” if stylistically appropriate. Also consider whether your statements are inclusive or exclusive of the endpoint. For instance, “We worked until 5 PM” implies stopping at exactly 5 PM, whereas “We worked through 5 PM” might subtly suggest working beyond that time. Small distinctions like these can affect how your instructions or narrative are interpreted. If you need to emphasize why you’re continuing an action, follow “until” with a clear condition—“Continue pushing forward until you can’t take another step.” Such conditional usage ties purpose to the endpoint, offering a sense of logical progression or urgency. Ultimately, by thoughtfully integrating “until” into your sentences, you create structured timelines and logical boundaries, ensuring the reader understands exactly when actions should begin, evolve, or end.
Casual Conversation
In everyday conversations, “until” serves as a quick, straightforward way to reference the time frame or condition for stopping something. You might tell a friend, “Let’s hang out until you have to leave,” so they know exactly how much time you have together. If someone asks about your schedule, saying, “I’m free until dinner,” gives them a clear picture of your availability. The word is flexible enough to slip naturally into relaxed exchanges—“I can’t wait until the weekend!” emphasizes your anticipation for a future moment.“Until” also keeps casual plans organized—“Keep texting me updates until I get there” signals that you want real-time info from your friend. Even in everyday chores or small tasks, you might say, “Wait until the paint dries,” or “Don’t add sugar until you taste it.” Phrases like “until then” can wrap up a conversation or discussion, noting that you’ll pick it up later—“I’ll let you know if I hear anything else; until then, just hold tight.” Because it’s so common and intuitive, “until” rarely causes confusion in informal settings. It pinpoints exactly when something stops or changes, ensuring everyone involved has a clear sense of timing or conditions without the need for extra detail.
Etymology
The word “until” stems from an Old Norse and Old English blend. Its origins trace back to a combination of Old Norse “und,” meaning “as far as,” and Old English “til,” which conveyed the sense of “to” or “toward.” Over time, these linguistic roots fused into “until,” a term indicating a boundary in time or circumstances. Early forms like “untill” appeared in Middle English texts, gradually standardizing into the modern spelling by the 14th and 15th centuries. During these centuries, English was heavily influenced by Norse, French, and Germanic languages, creating a rich tapestry of prepositions and conjunctions, each with nuanced shades of meaning. “Until” eventually became one of the go-to words for expressing the idea that an action, condition, or event continued right up to a specific point—no further. This focus on defining limits or endpoints resonated well with practical communication needs, as people often needed a clear marker for when something ended or changed. Over time, “until” also took on slight variations in usage, leading to the coexistence of “till” (often deemed a more colloquial form), yet both remain fully accepted in modern English. Its enduring prominence showcases how essential it is to have a concise word for bounding time and conditions, reflecting the age-old need to specify precisely when something finishes or transitions.