till then

USAGE SUMMARY

"till then" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to express a sense of anticipation for a future event or circumstance that will occur before something else. For example, "We'll see what happens next week; till then, let's enjoy the weekend."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Till then, adieu!

The Guardian

Till then – Pip! Pip!

The Guardian - Sport

Till then, he'd keep disrupting.

The New Yorker

Till then, ignorance is bliss.

The New Yorker

Till then, Good night all!

The Guardian - Business

Till then, refreshingly, it's not for sale.

The New York Times

Till then, he's a man without a voice, oddly childlike.

Independent

Till then, tea and soft drinks must suffice.

The New York Times - Food

Till then, Morsi had been holding on tight.

The Guardian - Opinion

Till then I content myself with Microsoft's offering.

The New York Times

Till then, it was thought that Neptune was more static.

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "till then" in formal writing, consider using "until then" as it might be perceived as slightly more polished.

Common error

Avoid using "till then" when referring to something that will not happen in the future. It indicates an expectation for a future event or circumstance before something else happens.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "till then" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate a timeframe. It specifies the duration before a future event occurs, as evidenced by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

13%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "till then" is a correct and commonly used adverbial phrase that sets a timeframe leading up to a future event. As Ludwig AI confirms, it functions to create anticipation or establish temporary conditions. While acceptable in most contexts, using "until then" may be preferable in more formal writing. Remember to use it only when referring to future events or actions. Overall, "till then" is a useful phrase to enhance clarity in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

until then

A direct synonym, replacing "till" with "until" for a slightly more formal tone.

until that time

More explicit about a specific future point.

in the meantime

Focuses on the intervening period, rather than the endpoint.

meanwhile

Similar to "in the meantime", emphasizing simultaneous events or actions.

for now

Highlights the present situation as temporary.

in the interim

A more formal alternative to "in the meantime".

prior to that

A formal and direct synonym, emphasizing sequence.

up to that point

Focuses on the progression leading to a certain moment.

before that happens

Explicitly refers to a future occurrence.

pending that

Emphasizes the dependence on a future event.

FAQs

How can I use "till then" in a sentence?

Use "till then" to indicate a period of time before a specific future event or action. For instance, "The software update is scheduled for next week; "till then", use the current version".

What phrases are similar in meaning to "till then"?

Alternatives include "until then", "in the meantime", and "meanwhile". The choice depends on the context and desired level of formality.

Is it better to use "till then" or "until then"?

Both are correct, but "until then" is often considered slightly more formal. Use "till then" in more casual contexts.

Can I use "till then" at the beginning of a sentence?

While grammatically acceptable, starting a sentence with "till then" might sound less formal. Consider rephrasing for a smoother flow in formal writing. For example, "In the interim", we will proceed as planned.