Language Research

until · preposition

/ənˈtɪl/Full view

until (TIME)

A1 continuing to happen before a particular time or event and then stopping

Dictionary examples:

I'm staying here until the end of June.

The show will be on until the end of the month.

I was working until after eight o'clock.

Learner example:

We have lesson[s] from 1:30 pm until 3:15 pm. (Skills for Life (Entry 1); A1; Polish)

not until

B1 not before a particular time or event

Dictionary examples:

We didn't get home until past midnight.

It doesn't open until 7:00.

Learner example:

Two weeks ago I rec[ei]ved your letter but I couldn't answer you until now. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Spanish)

until · conjunction

/ənˈtɪl/

until (TIME)

B1 continuing to happen before a particular time or event and then stopping

Dictionary examples:

We're going to stay until the job is done.

I waited until they left before I started clearing up.

Whisk the egg whites until they look white and fluffy.

Learner example:

I had always wanted to travel by plane to another country but I [di]dn't have the op[p]ortunity until I was eleven years old. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Spanish)

until (DIRECTIONS)

B1 as far as

Dictionary example:

Go straight until you get to the four-way stop, then turn left.

Learner example:

On the second day, we cycled [for] approximately 4 hours until we reached a beautiful castle. (Preliminary English Test; B1; German)

not until

B1 not before a particular time or event

Dictionary example:

We won't start the meeting until Jeanne is here.

Learner example:

We didn't stop laughing until the movie finished. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Spanish)