until

Until is a subordinating conjunction used to indicate that an action or state continues up to a specific point in time, after which it stops or changes. It connects a main clause with a dependent clause showing the endpoint of duration or the moment when something happens. It often expresses waiting, continuation, or a limit in time.

• 🌐حرف مصدري وناسخ يفيد انتهاء غاية أو استمرار فعل أو حالة إلى حين وقوع أمر آخر، ويُستعمل أيضًا بمعنى «إلى أن» في الزمن أو المكان أو الدرجة.

1. Until as a subordinating conjunction of time (continuation up to a point) A2 formal

   Used to show that the action in the main clause continues or is true only up to the time or event mentioned in the until-clause. After that point, the situation usually changes. The until-clause often comes after the main clause. Present tenses are commonly used in the until-clause even when referring to the future.

   • I will wait here until you finish your homework.
   • We stayed at the beach until the sun went down.
   • She won't leave the office until the report is completed.
   • They kept working until everyone was satisfied with the result.
   • Don't open the door until I tell you it's safe.

   🌐حرف زمني للاستمرار حتى نقطة معينة

2. Until in negative constructions (not ... until = only after) B1 formal

   When used with a negative in the main clause, "not ... until" means that something does not happen before the time or event in the until-clause. It emphasizes that the action begins only after that point.

   • The train did not arrive until midnight.
   • I didn't realize the mistake until it was too late.
   • She won't start the meeting until all participants are present.
   • He could not sleep until he had finished reading the book.
   • We are not allowed to leave until the bell rings.

   🌐في التراكيب المنفية (لا ... حتى = فقط بعد)

3. Until with future reference and other time expressions B1 formal

   Until is frequently used to talk about future events, often combined with present simple or present perfect in the subordinate clause. It can also appear in instructions, promises, or conditions related to time limits.

   • I can't go out until I have cleaned my room.
   • Please keep the noise down until the baby falls asleep.
   • The shop will be closed until further notice.
   • We will keep trying until we succeed.
   • Call me as soon as you arrive, but not until then.

   🌐حتى مع الإشارة إلى المستقبل وتعبيرات زمنية أخرى

The preposition 'until' indicates a temporal limit, marking the point in time up to which an action, event, or state continues, or before which something does not happen; it expresses duration with a defined endpoint or a condition that must be met first.

• 🌐حرف جر يدل على الحد الزمني الذي ينتهي عنده الفعل أو الحدث أو الحالة، أو الذي لا يقع الشيء قبله؛ ويعبر عن امتداد له نقطة نهاية محددة أو شرط يجب تحققه أولاً.

1. Time: Up to a specific point A1 formal

   Indicates that an action, event, or state continues up to a particular moment in time, then stops or changes

   • I worked until 6 PM
   • Wait here until I return
   • The shop is open until midnight

   🌐حَتَّى

2. Temporal limit with negative constructions A2 formal

   Used in negative sentences to indicate that something does not happen before a specified time

   • He didn't arrive until late
   • She won't know the results until tomorrow
   • I hadn't seen her until last week

   🌐حتى

3. Duration with endpoint A2 formal

   Emphasizes the continuous nature of an action or state that persists up to a defined concluding moment

   • They danced until dawn
   • He stayed in bed until noon
   • We talked until we fell asleep

   🌐حتى

4. Conditional temporal marker B1 formal business

   Indicates that a situation will persist or a decision will be delayed until a certain condition is fulfilled

   • Nothing can be done until the report is finished
   • We cannot proceed until everyone agrees
   • The project is on hold until funding is secured

   🌐حتى، إلى أن

5. Formal/literary: Final limit or culmination B2 formal art

   Used in formal or literary contexts to emphasize the ultimate point or culmination of a process, often with emotional or dramatic weight

   • He waited until the very end
   • She remained loyal until her last breath
   • The mystery remained unsolved until the final chapter

   🌐حتى المنتهى، إلى الغاية القصوى