until later

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "until later" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something will occur at a future point in time, or as a substitute for goodbye. For example: "Let's continue our discussion until later."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

No scandal touched the White House (until later).

The New York Times

He doesn't begin drawing until later.

The New Yorker

Doubt man knew until later.

The New Yorker

Specifics were deferred until later.

The New York Times

He's not coming until later".

The Guardian - Tech

Didn't tell me until later.

The New Yorker

(iii) The rate of coagulation was constant until later stage.

Journal of Colloid and Interface Science

"I didn't understand the obsession until later".

The New Yorker

Frankly, I didn't understand this until later.

The New Yorker

I didn't know that until later.

The New York Times - Style

So you won't get it until later.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "until later" when you want to indicate that something will happen or be discussed at a subsequent time. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

Be clear about what is being postponed "until later". Ensure the context makes it obvious what "later" refers to, to avoid confusion for the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "until later" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate when something will occur. Ludwig indicates that it is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "until later" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to indicate that something will happen at a subsequent, unspecified time. As Ludwig confirms, it is grammatically sound and appropriate for various writing styles, ranging from neutral to professional. While generally acceptable, writers should ensure clarity by making it obvious what "later" refers to, avoiding ambiguity. Consider using more formal alternatives like "at a later time" or "subsequently" in highly formal writing. The phrase is most frequently found in News & Media and Science contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at a later time

Rephrases using more formal language, focusing on the delayed timing.

at a subsequent time

Formal version of "at a later time".

at some future point

Emphasizes the uncertainty of the specific time in the future.

afterward

A simpler, more direct way of saying "after this".

in the future

A broader term, not specifying a direct continuation or resumption.

down the line

An informal way to indicate a point further in the future.

deferred until

Highlights the act of officially delaying something to another time.

subsequently

A more formal, academic way to indicate what comes after.

postponed

Emphasizes the action of delaying something.

in due course

Suggests something will happen when the time is right.

FAQs

How can I use "until later" in a sentence?

You can use "until later" to indicate that something will happen at a subsequent time. For example, "The details will be discussed "at a later time", but for now, let's focus on the main points".

What phrases are similar to "until later"?

Similar phrases include "at a later time", "subsequently", or "afterward", each carrying slightly different nuances regarding the delay.

Is "until later" formal or informal?

"Until later" is generally considered acceptable in both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly formal writing, you might prefer "at a subsequent time".

What's the difference between "until later" and "see you later"?

"Until later" implies a continuation or resumption of something, while "see you later" is a farewell indicating a future meeting. The phrases are not interchangeable.