up to that time

USAGE SUMMARY

"up to that time" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a particular moment in time, such as a moment in the past or a current moment in relation to the past. For example: "I had not seen him since we were children, up to that time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Not to mention considerable work building up to that time.

The Guardian - Sport

Up to that time, he had run a thousand-dollar nest-egg into five large figures.

The New Yorker

This was the most ambitious program of numerical integration ever undertaken up to that time.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It was the costliest natural disaster in American history up to that time.

The New Yorker

Up to that time, Jamaica Bay clams had been considered as tops by many connoisseurs.

The New Yorker

This merger was one of the largest in corporate history up to that time.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Up to that time, almost all fusion experiments had been operated with hydrogen or deuterium plasmas.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He was the oldest man, at age 67, ever elected president up to that time.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The purchase was the museum's most expensive up to that time.

The New York Times - Arts

As a matter of interest, up to that time I was identified as having high potential.

The Guardian

Up to that time, only public proclamations, commercial information or current events were conveyed by letter.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "up to that time" to clearly define a period before a specific event or point in the past, ensuring the temporal relationship is evident to the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "up to that time" when a simpler term like "before" or "previously" would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound verbose. Ensure the "that time" is clearly established in the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "up to that time" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause by specifying when something occurred in relation to a particular point in the past. Ludwig's examples show its use in setting temporal boundaries.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Encyclopedias

22%

Science

12%

Less common in

Wiki

12%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "up to that time" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe a period leading to a specific moment in the past. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread applicability. The phrase finds common usage in news, encyclopedias, and scientific writing, indicating a neutral register. Alternatives like "until then" or "previously" can offer conciseness, but "up to that time" provides clear temporal context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

until then

This alternative offers a more concise and direct way to express the same timeframe.

prior to that point

This phrase emphasizes a specific point in time as a reference.

before that

This is a shorter, more informal way to indicate a time before something else.

previously

This single word can replace the phrase, offering a more succinct option.

in the period leading up to that

This is a more descriptive alternative that emphasizes the duration of time leading to the reference point.

in advance of that time

This phrase highlights the preparatory period before the specified time.

leading up to that moment

This alternative focuses on a specific moment as the endpoint of the timeframe.

until that juncture

A more formal and somewhat archaic way to express the same idea.

up until that juncture

Slightly emphasizes that there is a shift in focus occurring with time.

hitherto

This word is an antiquated option that expresses everything until the moment of speaking.

FAQs

How can I use "up to that time" in a sentence?

You can use "up to that time" to indicate a period leading to a specific point in the past. For instance, "Up to that time, I had never travelled outside the country."

What are some alternatives to "up to that time"?

Alternatives include "until then", "previously", or "before that". The best choice depends on the context and desired level of formality.

Is "up to that time" formal or informal?

"Up to that time" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, in very informal settings, simpler alternatives might be preferred.

What's the difference between "up to that time" and "at that time"?

"Up to that time" refers to the period leading to a specific point, while "at that time" refers to the specific moment itself. For example, "Up to that time, I lived in New York; at that time, I decided to move."