wait until then

USAGE SUMMARY

"wait until then" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want someone to wait until a certain point in time or until something happens. For example: "We won't know when the bus is coming until it gets closer, so wait until then if you want to catch it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

But why wait until then?

The New Yorker

I can wait until then".

The New York Times

President Obama cannot wait until then.

The New York Times

But we don't have to wait until then.

The Guardian - Opinion

The question is whether protesters will wait until then.

The Economist

"I don't think they can wait until then.

The Guardian

But there is no need to wait until then.

The New York Times - Travel

Those terrible engines of war will wait until then.

The New Yorker

The problem is that if we wait until then, we will lose a generation getting there".

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

But Gulati said no one wants to wait until then to start one.

The New York Times

Uber didn't want to wait until then. .

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "wait until then", clearly establish what 'then' refers to in the context. This avoids ambiguity and ensures your reader understands the timeframe.

Common error

Avoid using "wait until then" without a clear preceding reference. Without context, 'then' becomes ambiguous, confusing the reader. Always ensure the timeframe is explicitly stated.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "wait until then" functions as an imperative, urging someone to postpone an action or decision. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's grammatically correct and widely used. Examples from Ludwig demonstrate its use in various contexts, from everyday conversations to more formal discussions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "wait until then" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that serves to advise or instruct someone to postpone an action until a specific time. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. The phrase appears most commonly in news and media, but its neutral register makes it suitable for various contexts. When using this phrase, ensure the 'then' is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternatives like "hold off until then" or "postpone until then" depending on the level of formality required.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hold off until then

Emphasizes delaying an action or decision until the specified time.

postpone until then

Suggests a formal rescheduling to a later time.

defer until then

Implies a more considered or strategic delay.

delay until that time

A more explicit and slightly formal way of saying the same thing.

put it off until then

Informal and suggests avoiding something until the specified time.

bide your time until then

Suggests waiting patiently and strategically.

sit tight until then

Encourages staying put and being patient until the time comes.

hold your horses until then

An idiomatic expression urging someone to be patient.

remain patient until then

Emphasizes the need for patience during the waiting period.

cool your jets until then

Informal and suggests relaxing and waiting.

FAQs

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

Use "wait until then" to indicate that an action or decision should be postponed until a specific point in time. For example, "The results will be announced next week, so we'll have to "wait until then" to find out who won."

What is an alternative to "wait until then"?

Alternatives include "hold off until then", "postpone until then", or "delay until that time". The best choice depends on the specific context and level of formality.

Is it better to say "wait until then" or "wait until that time"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "wait until then" is generally more concise and commonly used in informal contexts. "Wait until that time" is more formal and explicit.

Can "wait until then" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "wait until then" can be used in formal writing, especially if the context is clear. However, for utmost clarity and formality, consider using a more explicit phrase like "delay until that time".