until the time comes

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "until the time comes" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a period of waiting or preparation before a specific event or moment occurs. Example: "I will continue to work on my skills until the time comes for the big presentation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

"Until the time comes, I don't know whether I'll be able to do it.

Independent

So I have to wait until the time comes for each particular opera".

The Guardian - Music

Wear it for me, I silently entreat,  Until — until the time comes.

The New Yorker

He will be Myers' eyes and ears until the time comes.

The Guardian

I have people coming by here two weeks before, circling until the time comes to turn the lights on.

The New York Times

Digital cameras seem relatively straightforward until the time comes to hook them up to the computer and download photos.

The New York Times - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

Why didn't he just sit quietly until the time came to deliver the speech?

The New Yorker

Like anyone else, Lawrence would be gracious until the time came to be cruel.

The New Yorker

I counted myself a Republican until the time came where they focused on legislating morality.

The New York Times

That is, until the time came when she had to accept that I was open to crossing racial boundaries.

The New York Times

Our directive was to do nothing but respond to their queries and attempt to fulfill their commands until the time came for us to destroy them".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "until the time comes" to clearly indicate a period of waiting or preparation before a specific event or action. It helps create anticipation and set a timeline for expected future actions.

Common error

While generally acceptable, avoid overusing "until the time comes" in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more concise alternatives like "when" or "upon" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "until the time comes" functions as a temporal conjunction, introducing a clause that specifies a period of waiting or anticipation before a particular event or action occurs. Ludwig confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Wiki

18%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Science

10%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "until the time comes" is a common and grammatically correct way to express waiting or anticipation before a specific event. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used in various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While versatile, it's advisable to consider more concise alternatives in highly formal writing to maintain clarity and professionalism. Remember to use this phrase to effectively set timelines and build anticipation in your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

when the moment arrives

Focuses specifically on the arrival of the moment, rather than the period leading up to it.

until the moment is right

Emphasizes the suitability or appropriateness of the timing.

in anticipation of

Highlights the feeling of looking forward to a future event.

pending the arrival of

A more formal way to express waiting for something to occur.

until such time as

A more formal and legalistic phrasing of the original query.

when the opportunity arises

Highlights the availability of a chance or possibility.

leading up to the point when

More verbose, specifying the build-up to a particular moment.

in the interim

Focuses on the period of time between events.

for the time being

Implies a temporary state that will last until a change occurs.

while awaiting the moment

Emphasizes the act of waiting.

FAQs

How can I use "until the time comes" in a sentence?

You can use "until the time comes" to indicate a period of waiting before a specific event. For example, "I will practice every day "until the time comes" for the competition."

What are some alternatives to "until the time comes"?

Some alternatives include "when the moment arrives", "until the moment is right", or "in anticipation of", depending on the context.

Is "until the time comes" formal or informal?

"Until the time comes" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more concise alternatives may be preferable in very formal writing.

What is the difference between "until the time comes" and "when the time comes"?

"Until the time comes" emphasizes the duration leading up to the event, while "when the time comes" ("when the time comes") simply refers to the moment the event occurs.