- pronunciation:
- uhn
tIl
- parts of speech:
- conjunction, preposition
- features:
- Note
| part of speech: |
conjunction |
| definition 1: |
If you play your game until dinner is ready, you play before dinner and then stop playing when dinner is ready.
The baby was asleep until the dog started barking. Then she woke up and cried.Ramon's grandparents came on Sunday, and they are staying until Friday. |
| definition 2: |
If you are very sick, you usually can't go back to school until you feel better. This means that feeling better must come before going back to school. You can go back to school only after you get better.
We can't play the game until we set up all the pieces on the board.After Andy had really bad dream, his mother promised him that she would not leave his room until he fell asleep.Mr. Wood couldn't buy a new car until he'd saved enough money. |
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| part of speech: |
preposition |
| definition 1: |
If you practice the piano until three o'clock, then three o'clock is the time that you stop practicing.
Maya's older brother likes to sleep until noon on Saturdays. Her dad says that's not unusual for a teenager. |
| definition 2: |
If you don't do something until a certain time, you will do it at that time or after that time, but you will not do it before then.
Allison doesn't want to start working on her project until tomorrow.Don't worry. We won't be late for the bus. It doesn't come until ten on Saturdays. |
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.