- pronunciation:
- uhn
tIl
- parts of speech:
- conjunction, preposition
- features:
- Note
| part of speech: |
conjunction |
| definition: |
up to the time when.
We slept until the sun came up. |
|
|
| part of speech: |
preposition |
| definition: |
up to the time of.
We worked until evening. |
until or by?
By means before a certain time or at that time.
By is used for an action that happens at one point in time, not for an action that continues over time.
Until is used to express how long an action will continue and when it will end.
Compare:
- The children should go to bed by nine o'clock.
- The children can watch TV until nine o'clock.
- I will be back at the office by noon.
- I will be in the office until noon.