until
We'll wait here until the rain stops.
The waiting continues until the rain stops.
up to the time that something happens
She studied until midnight.
Her studying continued until midnight.
The store is open until 9 PM.
The store's operating hours extend until 9 PM.
Often used to indicate a deadline or endpoint in time.
not before a specified time
You can't leave until you finish your homework.
Departure is not allowed before homework is completed.
Emphasizes that an action or event must wait until a condition is met.
Collocations
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Conjunction vs. Preposition
'Until' can function as a conjunction (e.g., 'Wait until I call you') or a preposition (e.g., 'Stay here until noon').
Gold Rule
Time Reference
'Until' always refers to a point in time, not a duration. Use 'for' to indicate duration (e.g., 'for two hours').
Word Origin
From Middle English 'untill', from Old English 'on til' (on to).
Usage Notes
Can be used as both a conjunction and a preposition. Often interchangeable with 'till' in informal contexts.