Until that time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Until that time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a point in the future when something will happen or change. Example: "We will continue our current practices until that time when new regulations are implemented."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Until that time, I'll stick with butter.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Until that time, Assad is Syria's president".

The New York Times

"Until that time, they were not".

The New York Times

"Until that time, we can't be happy".

The New York Times

"Until that time, we will have no further comment".

The New York Times

"Until that time, professional footballers were slaves," Wladimir has said.

The New Yorker

Until that time, I don't want to just start guessing".

The New York Times

"Until that time, we will not discuss names".

The Guardian - Sport

Until that time universities had been autonomous institutions.

The Guardian - Books

Until that time I was just an ordinary Catholic.

The Guardian

Until that time French Canadians had lived by agriculture and seasonal work in the timber trade.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal writing, consider using "Prior to that time" for a more sophisticated tone. However, "Until that time" is perfectly acceptable in most contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "while that time" when you mean "Until that time". "While" implies simultaneity, whereas "until" indicates a duration leading up to a specific point. For example, say "We will wait until that time comes" not "We will wait while that time comes".

Linguistic Context

Until that time" functions as an adverbial phrase, specifically a temporal adverbial. It modifies a verb or clause by specifying when an action or state will persist, indicating a duration up to a certain point. As evidenced by Ludwig, the phrase effectively establishes a temporal boundary.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

21%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "Until that time" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adverbial phrase that specifies a temporal boundary. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread use across varied contexts, including news, science, and encyclopedias. While alternatives like "until then" and "prior to that time" exist, understanding its specific function—to denote a duration leading up to a future event—ensures accurate and effective communication. Avoid confusing it with similar terms like "while". Whether in formal or neutral registers, this phrase is a versatile tool for expressing temporal relationships with precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Until then

A shorter, more concise way to express the same idea of a duration leading to a specific point.

Up until then

Adds emphasis on the period leading to the specified time.

Prior to that time

More formal alternative, emphasizing the temporal precedence.

Before that time

Simple and direct way to indicate a time before a specific event.

In the interim

Focuses on the period between two events.

In the meantime

Similar to "in the interim", highlighting the intervening period.

Until such time as

Formal and often used in legal or official contexts.

Until that moment

Focuses on a specific point in time.

Until that juncture

More formal and less common synonym.

Till then

Informal contraction of 'until then'.

FAQs

What does "Until that time" mean?

"Until that time" means up to a specific point in the future. It indicates that a certain state or action will continue to be true or performed up to a certain moment.

What are some alternatives to "Until that time"?

You can use alternatives such as "until then", "prior to that time", or "in the meantime" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "Up until that time"?

Yes, "Up until that time" is a grammatically correct and acceptable variation of "Until that time". It adds a slight emphasis to the duration leading up to the specified point.

How can I use "Until that time" in a sentence?

Here's an example: "The old system will remain in place until that time when the new software is fully implemented."