until they gain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "until they gain" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a condition or a time frame in which something will happen or be achieved, typically referring to acquiring something such as knowledge, skills, or resources. Example: "The team will continue to practice until they gain the necessary experience to compete at a higher level."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

They say they will continue to demonstrate until they gain acceptance.

The Economist

The cabinet called on Palestinians to press on with the uprising until they gain independence.

The New York Times

Many scientists are hesitant to back such assertions, at least until they gain a better understanding of what is going on in the Arctic.

The New York Times - Science

Even though most new technologies are used only by an elite until they gain popular appeal, Mr. Gartenberg doubts that BlackBerry-type devices will become mass market.

The New York Times

Life isn't idyllic, of course: the families are living in unattractive mobile homes – they pay around £300 to £400 a month rent to the ELC – until they gain permanent planning permission.

Independent

By pledging to fight until they gain victory, Mr. Bush and Mr. Blair have stoked the fires of anger, and this will turn more and more people into war animals.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

This approach was, in many ways, successful: in 1864, 1866, 1885, 1894, until they gained the vote in 1919-20.

The Guardian - Opinion

At first, many kept their eyes glued to their feet until they gained enough confidence to lift their heads and hum to the music.

The New York Times

"It is clear that senators would not be satisfied until they gained access to internal documents concerning advice provided during her tenure at the White House, disclosures that would undermine a president's ability to receive candid counsel," Mr. Bush said in a statement.

The New York Times

Dried cell pellets were grinded until they gained the powder form and then transferred to falcon tubes.

AMB Express

Until they gained the right to marry, New York same-sex couples could leave each other only $1 million free of the 16% state levy; now, if they marry, they can leave each other an unlimited amount free of state tax.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "until they gain", ensure that the subject clearly benefits or acquires something tangible or intangible. For instance, "until they gain experience" implies an increase in skill or knowledge over time.

Common error

Avoid using "until they gain" when the subject isn't actively involved in the gaining process. Instead of saying, "The prize will remain until they gain", specify who is gaining what. A better phrasing would be, "The prize will remain unclaimed until they gain eligibility."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "until they gain" functions as a temporal clause, introducing a condition that must be met before a certain outcome is realized. As Ludwig confirms, this phrase is grammatically sound. This subordinating conjunction sets up a time-dependent relationship between two events.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

25%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

2%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "until they gain" is a grammatically correct and commonly used temporal clause, as verified by Ludwig. It serves to introduce a condition or time frame before something is achieved or acquired. Its usage spans across various contexts like news, science, and business, as Ludwig's examples demonstrate. When using this phrase, ensure that the subject is actively involved in the gaining process to maintain clarity. Consider alternatives like "before they achieve" or "prior to acquiring" for different levels of formality or emphasis. Overall, "until they gain" is a versatile and effective phrase for expressing necessary conditions and time constraints.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

before they achieve

Focuses on the act of achieving something, which implies effort and accomplishment.

prior to acquiring

Emphasizes the acquisition aspect, suitable when obtaining something concrete is key.

leading up to their attainment

More formal and highlights the process leading to a final goal.

until they secure

Implies making something safe or certain, adding a layer of assurance.

up to the point they obtain

Stresses the specific moment of obtaining something.

in anticipation of their earning

Highlights the effort and deservingness behind gaining something.

pending their reception of

Suitable when the action is awaiting a formal acceptance or receiving.

before they are endowed with

Suggests a gift or blessing rather than an earned achievement.

until such time as they procure

More formal and emphasizes the effort involved in procuring something.

till they come into possession of

Focuses on the moment of taking ownership.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "until they gain" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, you could use phrases like "prior to their acquisition of", "pending their attainment of", or "until such time as they procure". Consider also alternatives like "before they achieve" or "prior to acquiring".

What's a common mistake to avoid when using "until they gain"?

A common mistake is using "until they gain" when the subject isn't actively involved in the process of gaining something. Ensure the sentence clearly indicates who is doing the gaining and what they are gaining. For example, use the phrase "until they obtain".

How to use "until they gain" in a sentence?

You can use "until they gain" to indicate a condition or time frame in which something will happen or be achieved. For example: "The team will continue to practice until they gain the necessary experience to compete at a higher level".

What are some alternatives to "until they gain" that emphasize the effort involved?

If you want to emphasize the effort involved, consider using "in anticipation of their earning" or "till they come into possession of". Also consider the phrase "leading up to their attainment".