- pronunciation:
- uhn
tIl
- parts of speech:
- conjunction, preposition
- features:
- Note
| part of speech: |
conjunction |
| definition 1: |
up to the time when.
We drove until the sun came up. |
| definition 2: |
before (used in a negative construction).
She can't play until she finishes dinner. |
| definition 3: |
to the point that.
She danced until she got blisters on her feet. |
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| part of speech: |
preposition |
| definition 1: |
up to a particular time.
We worked until the evening.- similar words:
- prior to
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| definition 2: |
before a particular time (used in a negative construction).
He won't move until summer. |
until or by?
By means before a certain time or at that time.
By is used for an action that happens at one point in time, not for an action that continues over time.
Until is used to express how long an action will continue and when it will end.
Compare:
- The children should go to bed by nine o'clock.
- The children can watch TV until nine o'clock.
- I will be back at the office by noon.
- I will be in the office until noon.