marking time until

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "marking time until" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a situation where someone is waiting or passing time without making progress or taking action until a specific event occurs. Example: "The team was just marking time until the final decision was made on the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Books

Film

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

Another back-street pub marking time until it's boarded-up.

The Guardian - Travel

"He'll be marking time until this is resolved," said the Rev. Raymond Daley.

The Washington Post

So, they are told, if they will only hold their convention marking time until Saturday they will win.

The New York Times

"Vamp till ready" is music-business jargon for this Zen-like ritual of marking time until performance overtakes preparation.

The New York Times - Arts

"I will spend the rest of my life marking time until I can see my best friend again," said Mr. Weaver, who is 50.

The New York Times

This is what Davis understands so well; instead of marking time until the next sonic spectacular, as James Levine sometimes did while conducting "Trojans" at the Met, Davis exulted in all the oddities and incongruities.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

Most Arabs would agree with the Syrian president's assessment: relations, they believe, will have to mark time until the Israelis choose themselves a new leader.

The Economist

Though he had thought his studies at the seminary would be simply a way to mark time until the war ended, "Torah grabbed me," Rabbi Plaut later said.

The New York Times

In this scheme, when we die, we go to a cosmic waiting room where we mark time until our name is never again mentioned.

The New York Times - Books

Meanwhile, the best the conventional political imaginations can come up with is tired thinking about a roads-and-bridges compromise deal to mark time until … what?

The Washington Post

She recapitulated that experience in a picture book, "Amber Was Brave, Essie Was Smart" (2001), about two resourceful sisters who mark time until their incarcerated father comes home.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "marking time until" to clearly indicate a temporary state of inactivity or waiting, especially when the anticipated event is significant or well-defined.

Common error

Avoid using "marking time until" excessively in formal or professional contexts. While grammatically correct, it can sometimes sound too informal or passive. Instead, opt for more precise language that specifies the actions being taken or the reasons for the delay.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "marking time until" functions as a temporal marker, indicating that an action or state is continuing passively until a specific event or time occurs. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

12%

Books

8%

Less common in

Film

4%

Encyclopedias

4%

Science

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "marking time until" effectively communicates a state of waiting or inactivity pending a future event. Ludwig AI validates that the phrase is correct and acceptable in written English. It’s commonly found in news and media, and while generally neutral, it can lean toward informal usage. Remember to use it when you want to emphasize the lack of progress or action during the waiting period and to consider more formal alternatives for professional or academic writing. Alternatives include "biding one's time until" or "waiting idly until", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

biding one's time until

Focuses on waiting strategically for the right moment.

killing time until

Emphasizes the act of passing time without purpose.

waiting idly until

Highlights the lack of activity while waiting.

passing time until

A general way to describe spending time before something happens.

holding pattern until

Suggests a state of suspension or delay.

treading water until

Implies maintaining a status quo without progress.

cooling one's heels until

An informal way to describe being kept waiting.

sticking around until

Indicates remaining in a place or situation until a specific time.

hanging around until

Similar to "sticking around", but slightly more casual.

lingering until

Suggests staying longer than expected while waiting.

FAQs

How can I use "marking time until" in a sentence?

Use "marking time until" to describe a period of inactivity or waiting before a specific event. For example: "The project is "marking time until" the budget is approved."

What are some alternatives to "marking time until"?

You can use alternatives like "biding one's time until", "killing time until", or "waiting idly until" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "marking time until" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "marking time until" might be considered somewhat informal for certain formal contexts. Consider using more precise or professional language if necessary.

What's the difference between "marking time until" and "waiting for"?

"Marking time until" emphasizes a lack of progress or activity during the waiting period, whereas "waiting for" simply indicates anticipation of a future event without necessarily implying inactivity.