until then

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "until then" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when you are waiting for a future event or in place of an ending, to signal that the discussion is finished. Example: I hope to hear back from my supervisor soon. Until then, I'll keep working on the report.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

But until then, no.

The New York Times - Sports

Until then, what?

The New York Times - Books

"Brilliant driving until then".

The New York Times - Sports

Until then, you're dirty.

The New York Times

Until then... Q.

The New York Times

Until then, silence.

The New York Times - Magazine

But not until then.

The New York Times

Not until then.

The New Yorker

Until then, we haven't".

Independent

Until then, we're stuck.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

So...until then, then.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "until then" to clearly mark the end of a discussion or a set of instructions, indicating what should be done before a specific future event. It provides a sense of closure and anticipation.

Common error

Avoid using "until then" when the future event is uncertain or speculative. It's best suited for situations where the future event is confirmed or highly probable, not merely a possibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "until then" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate a time period leading up to a specific event. Ludwig AI confirms that the expression is correct and can be used in written English. It specifies when an action or state will persist.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "until then" serves as a versatile adverbial phrase that sets temporal conditions, clarifying the duration of a state or action pending a future event. According to Ludwig AI, the expression is grammatically sound and appropriate for written English. It is very common, found across various contexts, from media and business to more informal communications. When using "until then", ensure the future event is reasonably certain. For scenarios requiring alternative expressions, consider options like "in the meantime" or "for now", which maintain a similar sense of temporality. By understanding the correct usage and potential pitfalls, you can effectively incorporate "until then" into your writing to enhance clarity and coherence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

till then

A more concise and informal version of "until then".

in the meantime

Focuses on the intervening period before a specified event.

for now

Suggests a temporary state or action valid up to a certain point.

until that time

More formal and specific reference to a future moment.

in the interim

Similar to "in the meantime" but often implies a more formal context.

pending that

Indicates something is conditional on a future event.

up to that point

Highlights the duration leading to a specific event.

for the present

Emphasizes the current situation before a change.

so far

Implies a progression up to the current moment.

provisionally

Suggests a temporary arrangement subject to future confirmation.

FAQs

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

Use "until then" to indicate a period before a specific future event or action. For example, "The repairs will take a few days. "Until then", we'll use the side entrance".

What does "until then" mean?

"Until then" signifies the time leading up to a specific event or point in time. It implies a temporary state or action that will continue "until that time" arrives.

Which is correct, "until then" or "till then"?

Both "until then" and "till then" are correct, but "until then" is generally considered more formal. The choice depends on the context and the desired level of formality.

Are there any synonyms for "until then"?

Yes, several phrases can replace "until then", depending on the context. Some options include "in the meantime", "for now", or "in the interim".