until that is

USAGE SUMMARY

"until that is" is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase is often used to indicate an exception to a statement or to emphasize the preceding statement. For example: "We're all expected to wear uniforms to school, until that is, those in the senior year of high school."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And we won't stop until that is the case.

The Guardian - Opinion

Keep practicing until that is normal.

WikiHow

Until, that is, they didn't.

The New Yorker

Until, that is, they can't.

The New York Times

Until, that is, the show actually aired.

The Guardian

Until, that is, I saw the library.

Independent

Until, that is, now.

The Guardian

Until, that is, this week.

The Guardian - Business

Until, that is, he wasn't.

The New York Times - Books

Until, that is, something happens.

The Guardian

Until, that is, this year.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "until that is" to introduce a clarifying exception or condition to a preceding statement, enhancing precision in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "until that is" as a general-purpose conjunction. It is more effective when introducing a specific condition or clarifying an exception rather than simply connecting ideas.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "until that is" functions as a conjunctive adverb or transitional phrase. It introduces a condition or exception that modifies or limits the statement preceding it. Ludwig confirms this with real-world examples, indicating its role in specifying circumstances under which the initial statement no longer holds true.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "until that is" serves as a conjunctive adverb, introducing a specific condition or exception that limits a preceding statement. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in various contexts, most commonly in news and media. While not overly formal, it maintains a neutral tone suitable for clear communication. When writing, use "until that is" to add precision by specifying circumstances under which a general statement does not apply. However, avoid misusing it as a simple conjunction. Alternatives such as "except in that case" or "unless that happens" may offer more formal options. Ultimately, "until that is" provides a valuable tool for expressing conditions and exceptions, contributing to clearer and more nuanced writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

except in that case

Specifies an exception to a general statement or rule.

unless that happens

Introduces a condition that would change the outcome.

until then

Indicates a duration leading to a particular moment.

not until then

Emphasizes the importance of a specific point in time.

up to that point

Emphasizes a temporal boundary before a change occurs.

only when that occurs

Stresses a specific condition for something to happen.

prior to that

Focuses on the time preceding a specific event or condition.

before then

Highlights a sequence of events with a temporal relationship.

so long as that's not the case

Highlights a negative condition that must be avoided.

contingent on that not being so

Formal way to express that something depends on a negative condition.

FAQs

How can I use "until that is" in a sentence?

Use "until that is" to introduce an exception or clarification. For example, "Everyone is invited, "until that is", those under 18 must be accompanied by an adult."

What's a more formal alternative to "until that is"?

Formal alternatives include phrases like "except in that case", "unless that happens", or "contingent on that not being so" depending on the specific context.

How does "until that is" differ from "until then"?

"Until then" refers to a point in time, while "until that is" introduces a specific condition or exception that changes the preceding statement. For example, "We will wait, "until then"," versus "We will proceed as planned, "until that is", the weather worsens."

Is it grammatically correct to start a sentence with "until that is"?

While grammatically permissible, starting a sentence with "until that is" can sound awkward. It is better used to introduce a clause that clarifies or modifies a preceding statement.