but until that time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but until that time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a period of waiting or a condition that will change in the future. Example: "We will continue to work on the project, but until that time, we must focus on our current tasks."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

But, until that time, the food sat on the shelf.

The New Yorker

But until that time, our duty is clear".

The Guardian

He can move when he has to, but until that time comes he can wait.

The New Yorker

But until that time, these "retirement homes" are the least we owe them.

The New York Times

I was seven years old, but until that time had never seen a homeless person.

The Guardian - Books

"But until that time comes, the International Olympic Committee should allow individuals like Guor to compete under the Olympic flag".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

By the authority of the senate, a part of the praetors and tribunes of the plebs, with consul Quintus Lucretius and the leading men, was sent to meet me in Campania, which honor had been decreed for no one but me until that time.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

I think the French/German position on this is quite right and that if we find chemical and nuclear weapons, bone pits and thousands of innocent people locked in jail then maybe we should go in but not until that time.

The Guardian

But, up until that time, Land Cruisers were cheap workhorses with torque-filled, six-cylinder engines geared for slow speeds and strong pulling power.

Forbes

But I think until that time, I think it is basically on adrenaline".

The New York Times - Sports

One participant was instructed by a doctor to stop driving two weeks prior to entering the study but was up until that time, still driving and doing so daily.

BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but until that time" to clearly define a period of anticipation or preparation before a known future event or change.

Common error

Avoid using "but until that time" when a simpler phrase like "but for now" or "in the meantime" would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound unnecessarily complex.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but until that time" functions as a transitional conjunction, connecting two related statements. It indicates a condition or action that will persist up to a specific point in the future, as supported by Ludwig. It sets a temporary boundary.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Science

13%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "but until that time" is a versatile transitional phrase that clearly marks a period of anticipation or temporary state. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts, especially in news and media. When writing, consider the formality of your context; while "but until that time" is generally acceptable, simpler alternatives like "but in the meantime" might be more appropriate in informal settings. Avoid overuse to prevent your writing from sounding needlessly complex. This phrase is valuable for establishing timelines and expectations, as long as it aligns with your desired tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

but in the meantime

Focuses on the interim period, lacking the emphasis on a future event.

however, for now

Emphasizes the current state with a hint of potential change.

yet, in the interim

Highlights a contrast while addressing the intervening period.

nonetheless, presently

Stresses a continuation despite possible future alterations.

still, in the intervening period

Underscores persistence through a transitional timeframe.

but temporarily

Concentrates solely on the impermanence of the present condition.

until such time

Formal alternative, emphasizing a future condition.

before that happens

Highlights the time leading up to a specific future event.

prior to then

Indicates an action or state existing before a future moment.

for the time being

Emphasizes the current situation without explicit reference to the future.

FAQs

How can I use "but until that time" in a sentence?

You can use "but until that time" to indicate a temporary state or action that will continue up to a specific point in the future. For instance: "We cannot release the full report yet, "but until that time", we will provide regular updates".

What's a simpler alternative to "but until that time"?

Alternatives include "but in the meantime", "for now", or "in the interim". The choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is it ever incorrect to use "but until that time"?

While grammatically correct, "but until that time" can sometimes sound overly formal or complex. In casual contexts, a simpler alternative might be more appropriate.

What is the difference between "but until that time" and "but when that time comes"?

"But until that time" emphasizes the period leading up to a future event, whereas "but when that time comes" focuses on the moment the event occurs. The former is about the waiting period, the latter about the change itself.