until used

USAGE SUMMARY

"until used" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a specific thing that will be used until it is no longer needed or until a certain point or time is reached. For example, "The socks are only to be worn until used."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The material was kept frozen until used.

AMB Express

All antifungal discs were stored at −80°C until used.

Chemistry Central Journal

Samples were stored at -20 °C until used.

International Journal of Food Contamination

The four extracts were stored at 4 °C until used.

Botanical Studies

The supernatants obtained were stored at −20°C until used.

Botanical Studies

The purified protein was stored at -80°C until used.

AMB Express

All solutions were stored at 4 °C until used.

Egyptian Journal of Forensic Sciences

Samples were kept frozen at −80 °C until used.

The Journal of Headache and Pain

Extracts were stored at 4°C until used.

Chemistry Central Journal

Extracted DNA samples were stored at −20 °C until used.

AMB Express

Cells were kept in ice until used.

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing experimental procedures, use "until used" to clearly indicate the storage conditions and duration for materials or samples.

Common error

Avoid using "until used" in general writing where more specific or descriptive language could be employed. It is best suited for technical or scientific contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "until used" functions as a temporal modifier, indicating the duration for which something is kept in a specific state before being put to use. Ludwig examples show its prevalence in describing storage conditions in scientific contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

100%

Less common in

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "until used" is a grammatically sound and very common phrase, primarily employed in scientific and technical contexts to specify storage durations and conditions. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in written English. While precise and useful in technical documentation, it may sound awkward in casual conversation. Consider alternatives such as "pending utilization" or "before being needed" in other registers.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stored for later use

Highlights the act of storing for a future instance of use.

before being needed

Highlights the condition of use being determined by a need or requirement.

pending utilization

More formal alternative; emphasizes the awaiting state of being utilized.

preserved until required

Emphasizes preservation to maintain the usability of something until it's required.

awaiting employment

Focuses on the idea of something being ready and waiting to be employed or put to use.

available for application

Focuses on the availability of a resource or tool when application is necessary.

kept in reserve

Emphasizes the act of deliberately keeping something available for future use.

before application

Highlights the timing of use relative to the act of application.

on standby until action

Implies readiness and immediate availability once an action is triggered.

prior to consumption

Specifies usage for consumable items, with a focus on eating or drinking.

FAQs

How is "until used" typically employed in scientific writing?

In scientific writing, "until used" is often used to specify the storage conditions and timeframe for reagents, samples, or materials, ensuring clarity and reproducibility in experimental procedures. For example, "Samples were stored at -80°C "until used"."

What are some situations where "until used" might not be appropriate?

"Until used" is generally inappropriate in informal or conversational contexts where more natural language would be preferred. For example, avoid saying "I will keep this pen "until used"" in a casual conversation.

Can "until needed" be used interchangeably with "until used"?

While similar, "until needed" implies that usage is contingent on a requirement or necessity, whereas "until used" is more general and simply indicates a time frame before usage. The best choice depends on the specific context.

What is a more formal way of saying "until used"?

A more formal alternative to "until used" is "pending utilization". This phrasing is suitable for professional documents or scientific reports.