up to then

USAGE SUMMARY

'up to then' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to talk about events happening in the past, usually to signify the end or a break in the timeline. For example, "We had experienced a lot of success in the first three years, but up to then, our biggest achievement had been to reach the playoffs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Books

Sports

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"Up to then it's hard work".

The New York Times

Not much to live up to then.

The Guardian - Books

Up to then she had struggled.

The New York Times - Books

"Up to then, it had been very traditional men's wear.

The New York Times

"I'd been kingpin up to then," he said.

The New Yorker

I think the game was even up to then.

The Guardian - Sport

In the old bookstore next door I had found the complete works (complete up to then) of Ernest Hemingway, the complete works (complete up to then) of Scott Fitzgerald, the complete works (complete up to then) of John O'Hara.

The New York Times - Books

So if she's not going to be back on our screens what she up to then?

Independent

I'd never caused any problems up to then, never challenged their authority.

The New Yorker

Norway had outplayed Brazil up to then, but appeared deflated afterward.

The New York Times

I didn't really know what I was up to then, or what direction to take.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "up to then" to clearly establish a before-and-after scenario in your narrative, enhancing clarity and temporal understanding for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "up to then" in simple sentences where the sequence is already obvious. Choose simpler alternatives like "before" or "previously" to maintain conciseness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "up to then" functions as an adverbial phrase that modifies a verb or clause by indicating a time frame leading to a specific point in the past. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it serves to establish a temporal boundary, setting the stage for subsequent events.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Books

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Sports

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "up to then" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to establish a temporal boundary in past narratives. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability. It's commonly found in various forms of content, including news articles, books, and scientific publications, indicating a neutral register. To use it effectively, ensure it provides necessary context and avoids redundancy in simpler sentences. Alternatives include "until that point" and "previously". By considering these nuances, you can confidently incorporate "up to then" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

until that point

Emphasizes the cessation at a specific moment.

before that

Simple and direct reference to a preceding event.

prior to that time

More explicit and less idiomatic.

previously

A single word expressing an event before the present.

until then

Slightly different nuance, focusing on the waiting period.

beforehand

Implies preparation or anticipation leading to a moment.

leading up to that moment

Highlights the events that transpired before a crucial point.

heretofore

More formal and archaic.

in the period preceding that

More formal and descriptive.

in the past

General and less precise.

FAQs

How can I use "up to then" in a sentence?

Use "up to then" to indicate a state or condition that existed before a specific point in time. For instance, "I had never traveled abroad up to then" implies my first international trip happened after that point.

What are some alternatives to "up to then"?

You can use alternatives like "until that point", "previously", or "before that" depending on the specific context.

Is there a difference between "up to then" and "until then"?

"Up to then" focuses on a period leading to a point, while "until then" emphasizes the continuation of a state until a point. They are often interchangeable, but "until then" can suggest a waiting period.

Can I use "up to then" in formal writing?

Yes, "up to then" is suitable for both formal and informal writing. It's a common and well-understood phrase. Just ensure it fits the tone and context of your piece.