not long until

USAGE SUMMARY

"not long until" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a period of time that is quickly approaching. For example, "It's not long until the day of the wedding."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

Not long until Yalc!

The Guardian

It was not long until the Assyrians were driven out of Babylonia.

Encyclopedia Britannica

And not long until my only performance of Words in London – at the Roundhouse, no less.

The Guardian - Books

It's not long until they run back on again, bursting into Weather with You.

The Guardian - Music

Besides, it's not long until next year and this bubble isn't going to burst, it's just going to get bigger.

The Guardian - Travel

The buzz: "It's not long until that trademark vengeful edge creeps in and the track takes a nightmarish turn" – nylonmag.com.

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

"But it wasn't long until people figured it out".

The New York Times

It wasn't long until Esther (not her real name) began to nod off.

The Guardian

It wasn't long until Lego rolled out "Harry Potter" sets of Legos.

The Washington Post

It wasn't long until traditional policies and political constraints reasserted themselves, leaving many in his audience disillusioned.

The Washington Post

And this being the Internet, it isn't long until the trend develops its own sub categories - lizards in sombreros and Santa hats are already cropping up.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "not long until" to build anticipation or express excitement about an upcoming event. It's suitable for both formal and informal communication.

Common error

Don't overuse "not long until" in close proximity within your writing. Vary your phrasing to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not long until" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate a time frame. It expresses the imminence of a future event. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "not long until" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase, primarily functioning as an adverbial phrase to indicate the nearness of a future event. As Ludwig AI notes, its suitability across diverse contexts underscores its versatility. The phrase is most frequently found in news and media sources and is useful for expressing anticipation. Remember to use it strategically to avoid redundancy and explore alternative phrasings like "soon" or "just around the corner" to enhance your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

soon

This alternative is shorter and more direct, lacking the emphasis on anticipation.

just around the corner

This is an idiomatic expression that suggests the event is very close.

in the near future

This phrase is more formal and less immediate than the original.

coming up shortly

This alternative is slightly more colloquial and suggests a brief delay.

fast approaching

Similar to 'approaching rapidly' but slightly less urgent.

approaching rapidly

This emphasizes the quickness of the arrival, adding a sense of urgency.

close at hand

This indicates that something is readily available or will happen very soon.

imminent

This word implies a high degree of certainty and immediacy, often used in more formal contexts.

drawing near

This is a more literary or formal way of saying something is approaching.

on the horizon

This suggests that something is becoming visible or apparent in the future.

FAQs

How can I use "not long until" in a sentence?

You can use "not long until" to indicate that an event will happen soon. For example, "It's "not long until" the holidays begin."

What phrases are similar to "not long until"?

Similar phrases include "soon", "in the near future", or "just around the corner".

Is "not long until" formal or informal?

"Not long until" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, making it versatile for different writing styles.

What's the difference between "not long until" and "before long"?

While both indicate an approaching event, "not long until" emphasizes the anticipation, while "before long" simply suggests it will happen relatively quickly.