Language Research

until · preposition

/ʌnˈtɪl/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 past midnight.

Learner example:

I don't go to college every day. I go only on Tuesday until 1.00 p.m. (Skills for Life (Entry 1); A1; Kurdish)

until (DIRECTIONS)

A2 as far as

Dictionary example:

Carry on until the traffic lights and then turn right.

Learner example:

You have to [stay on] the train until Charles DE GAULLE Etoile station. (Key English Test; A2; French)

not until

B1 not before a particular time or event

Dictionary examples:

We didn't eat 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

/ʌnˈtɪl/

until (TIME)

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

Dictionary examples:

Hadn't we better wait until Antony arrives?

I waited until they'd gone 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 on until you reach the roundabout and then take the second exit.

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)